Modify Copper Water Supply Lines — Cut the Pipe
Part of project
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor to Stop Banging Pipes · Step 3 of 7
In this video
Shut off the main hot and cold water supply valves. Disconnect the old washing machine hoses to drain the remaining water into a bucket. Use a tubing cutter to cut the hot and cold copper supply lines. Remove the old washing machine valve assembly. Use a propane torch and pliers to heat the old soldered fittings until the solder melts, then pull them off. Clean the pipes and new T-fittings with a wire brush and apply flux. Solder the new T-fittings in place to create outlets for both the sink and the washer. Finally, solder in the new copper pipe extensions and the new washing machine valve assembly. Wipe all hot joints with a wet rag to clean off excess flux.
Goal: Plumbing Pipes Repair
- Always have a bucket ready to catch residual water when disconnecting or cutting pipes.
- Be careful when handling pipes immediately after soldering as they will be extremely hot.
Used in this video
- Channel-Lock Pliers — Loosening hose connections and holding hot pipes during unsoldering.
- Tubing Cutter — Making clean cuts in the copper supply lines.
- Screwdriver (Screwdriver_Type: Phillips) — Removing the old washing machine valve from its mounting bracket.
- Propane Torch — Heating copper pipes and fittings for soldering and unsoldering.
- Bucket — Catching water drained from the pipes.
- Safety Glasses — Eye protection during soldering.
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FAQs
What essential tools do I need for this project, especially for cutting and preparing pipes?
You'll definitely need an AUTOCUT 1/2 in. Copper Pipe Tubing Cutter to make clean, straight cuts. Don't forget the Husky 1-5/8 in. Inner/Outer Reamer and Deburring Tool to smooth the pipe ends, which is crucial for leak-free push-to-connect fitting installation. An adjustable wrench will also be handy for general tightening tasks.
What are the most important safety precautions to take before starting this plumbing project?
Always start by completely shutting off the main water supply to your home and draining the pipes to relieve any pressure, which prevents unexpected floods. Wear appropriate eye protection and gloves when cutting pipes to protect against sharp edges and debris. Have a bucket and towels ready for any residual water.
How difficult is this project for a beginner, and what's a realistic time and cost expectation?
This project is rated 'beginner' friendly, primarily due to the use of push-to-connect fittings which significantly simplify the installation process. You can realistically expect to complete it within the estimated 3 hours. Material costs will mainly involve the water hammer arrestor and a T-fitting, likely under $50 depending on your local store.
I'm worried about leaks. What are common mistakes beginners make during installation, and how can I prevent them?
A common mistake is not fully deburring the pipe ends or not pushing the push-to-connect fittings all the way in until they seat firmly. Ensure the pipe is clean and smooth, and mark the insertion depth on the pipe to confirm it's fully seated before pushing. After restoring water, carefully check all new connections for any drips immediately.
Modify Copper Water Supply Lines — Cut the Pipe
Part of project
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor to Stop Banging Pipes · Step 3 of 7
In this video
Shut off the main hot and cold water supply valves. Disconnect the old washing machine hoses to drain the remaining water into a bucket. Use a tubing cutter to cut the hot and cold copper supply lines. Remove the old washing machine valve assembly. Use a propane torch and pliers to heat the old soldered fittings until the solder melts, then pull them off. Clean the pipes and new T-fittings with a wire brush and apply flux. Solder the new T-fittings in place to create outlets for both the sink and the washer. Finally, solder in the new copper pipe extensions and the new washing machine valve assembly. Wipe all hot joints with a wet rag to clean off excess flux.
Goal: Plumbing Pipes Repair
- Always have a bucket ready to catch residual water when disconnecting or cutting pipes.
- Be careful when handling pipes immediately after soldering as they will be extremely hot.
Used in this video
- Channel-Lock Pliers — Loosening hose connections and holding hot pipes during unsoldering.
- Tubing Cutter — Making clean cuts in the copper supply lines.
- Screwdriver (Screwdriver_Type: Phillips) — Removing the old washing machine valve from its mounting bracket.
- Propane Torch — Heating copper pipes and fittings for soldering and unsoldering.
- Bucket — Catching water drained from the pipes.
- Safety Glasses — Eye protection during soldering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essential tools do I need for this project, especially for cutting and preparing pipes?
You'll definitely need an AUTOCUT 1/2 in. Copper Pipe Tubing Cutter to make clean, straight cuts. Don't forget the Husky 1-5/8 in. Inner/Outer Reamer and Deburring Tool to smooth the pipe ends, which is crucial for leak-free push-to-connect fitting installation. An adjustable wrench will also be handy for general tightening tasks.
What are the most important safety precautions to take before starting this plumbing project?
Always start by completely shutting off the main water supply to your home and draining the pipes to relieve any pressure, which prevents unexpected floods. Wear appropriate eye protection and gloves when cutting pipes to protect against sharp edges and debris. Have a bucket and towels ready for any residual water.
How difficult is this project for a beginner, and what's a realistic time and cost expectation?
This project is rated 'beginner' friendly, primarily due to the use of push-to-connect fittings which significantly simplify the installation process. You can realistically expect to complete it within the estimated 3 hours. Material costs will mainly involve the water hammer arrestor and a T-fitting, likely under $50 depending on your local store.
I'm worried about leaks. What are common mistakes beginners make during installation, and how can I prevent them?
A common mistake is not fully deburring the pipe ends or not pushing the push-to-connect fittings all the way in until they seat firmly. Ensure the pipe is clean and smooth, and mark the insertion depth on the pipe to confirm it's fully seated before pushing. After restoring water, carefully check all new connections for any drips immediately.