Measure and Cut PEX Tubing — Cut the Pipe
Part of project
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor to Stop Banging Pipes · Step 3 of 7
In this video
First, measure the required length of PEX B tubing from the connection point on the shower valve to the water supply line. Hold a tape measure next to the pipe to determine the correct cut location. Once measured, use an AutoCut PL tube cutter. Clamp the cutter onto the PEX pipe at the marked location. Rotate the cutter around the pipe once to achieve a clean, square cut. This ensures a proper seal when the fitting is installed.
Goal: Create a clean, square cut on the PEX tubing at the required length.
- The AutoCut PL tool is excellent for tight spaces where a traditional shear-style cutter might not fit.
Used in this video
- AutoCut PL Tube Cutter (brand: General Pipe Cleaners, Tool Type: Tubing cutter, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: Plastic, Size/Capacity: Sized for 1/2 inch pipe, Durability: High, Cost: Medium, Special Features: Ratchet or rotational cutting action for square cuts., Tool Functionality: Cutting, Precision and Accuracy: High, Safety Features: Enclosed blade, Maintenance Requirements: Low) — Cutting PEX B tubing to create a clean, square edge.
- Tape Measure (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Hand tools, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: N/A, Size/Capacity: Medium, Durability: Medium, Cost: Low, Special Features: Locking mechanism, Tool Functionality: Measuring, Precision and Accuracy: Medium, Safety Features: N/A, Maintenance Requirements: Low) — Measuring the required length of PEX tubing.
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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.
Measure and Cut PEX Tubing — Cut the Pipe
Part of project
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor to Stop Banging Pipes · Step 3 of 7
In this video
First, measure the required length of PEX B tubing from the connection point on the shower valve to the water supply line. Hold a tape measure next to the pipe to determine the correct cut location. Once measured, use an AutoCut PL tube cutter. Clamp the cutter onto the PEX pipe at the marked location. Rotate the cutter around the pipe once to achieve a clean, square cut. This ensures a proper seal when the fitting is installed.
Goal: Create a clean, square cut on the PEX tubing at the required length.
- The AutoCut PL tool is excellent for tight spaces where a traditional shear-style cutter might not fit.
Used in this video
- AutoCut PL Tube Cutter (brand: General Pipe Cleaners, Tool Type: Tubing cutter, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: Plastic, Size/Capacity: Sized for 1/2 inch pipe, Durability: High, Cost: Medium, Special Features: Ratchet or rotational cutting action for square cuts., Tool Functionality: Cutting, Precision and Accuracy: High, Safety Features: Enclosed blade, Maintenance Requirements: Low) — Cutting PEX B tubing to create a clean, square edge.
- Tape Measure (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Hand tools, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: N/A, Size/Capacity: Medium, Durability: Medium, Cost: Low, Special Features: Locking mechanism, Tool Functionality: Measuring, Precision and Accuracy: Medium, Safety Features: N/A, Maintenance Requirements: Low) — Measuring the required length of PEX tubing.
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.