Step 3 · Prepare Pipe Ends
This step is crucial for ensuring a watertight seal. Inspect the cut ends of the remaining galvanized pipe. They will likely have sharp edges or burrs from the cutting process. Use a metal file or a dedicated pipe deburring tool to smooth the inside and outside edges of the pipe ends. Any sharp edge can damage the O-ring inside a push-to-connect fitting, leading to a failure. Once the edges are smooth, take a piece of emery cloth or medium-grit sandpaper and thoroughly clean the outer surface of the pipe, extending about 1-2 inches from the end. You need to remove all rust, paint, scale, and grime to create a smooth, clean surface for the fitting to seal against.