Step 4 · Measure and Cut Replacement Pipe

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

Push one of your push-to-connect couplings onto a pipe end to measure its insertion depth, or use the manufacturer-provided depth gauge. Mark this depth on the pipe with your marker. Remove the fitting. Now, measure the exact distance of the gap you created by cutting out the damaged section. The required length for your new piece of pipe is calculated as: (Gap Length) + (Insertion Depth) + (Insertion Depth). Cut a new piece of 1/2-inch copper pipe to this precise measurement using your tubing cutter. Once cut, deburr and clean both ends of this new pipe piece just as you did in the previous step.