How to Dry Fit Copper Pipes

Replacing copper pipes is expensive and time consuming. You want the procedure to be productive and perfect when it's done. One step that insures that your time spent produces the maximum return is the process of a dry fit of the copper pipes. This step is the most important in any plumbing job.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tool
• Pencil
• Paper
• Copper pipe and fittings
• Pipe cutter
• Metal file
• Steel wool or rough grain sandpaper

1. Measure the area twice before you cut the copper. Any plumbing is an expense of time and money. The additional measure insures a savings of both. Make certain that you take into consideration the length of pipe inside the fittings when you measure.

2. Cut the pipe carefully. Again measure twice and cut once. Even if cut too long, it's difficult to adjust for small amounts and impossible to adjust if cut too short. The easiest way to cut copper pipe is with a tube cutter. The tube cutter leaves no metal residue and produces a flat, even cut.

3. Remove any burrs left on the pipe with the built in tool on the pipe cutter or a metal file. Burrs create difficulty when you try to fit the pipe, as does an uneven cut. Make sure the end is flat to avoid this.

4. Sand the pipe ends and the inside of the fitting with steel wool or rough sandpaper. You need to do this before you flux and it makes the job easier if you do it before a dry fit of the copper pipes.

5. Connect all the tubing and see if it fits the area snugly and comfortably. A good fit at this point is insurance of a satisfactory completion.

6. Disassemble and begin the next step to complete the process of replacing the pipes.