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How to cut, clean and replace pipework

Taking care of the pipework in and around your home and being able to maintain it will help to reduce your risk of leaks. Here are the basics of pipe maintenance, including how to cut a section of pipework and how to clean and replace your pipework.

Step by step instructions to cutting, cleaning and replacing pipework.

Using a flathead screwdriver to close an isolation valve between two pieces of copper pipe.Using a flathead screwdriver to close an isolation valve between two pieces of copper pipe.Using a flathead screwdriver to close an isolation valve between two pieces of copper pipe.Using a flathead screwdriver to close an isolation valve between two pieces of copper pipe.

1. Disconnect the water supply

Always make sure that the pipe you are cutting has been disconnected from the mains water or heating supply before cutting.

Using a cloth to wipe down a piece of copper pipe.Using a cloth to wipe down a piece of copper pipe.Using a cloth to wipe down a piece of copper pipe.Using a cloth to wipe down a piece of copper pipe.

2. Clean the pipe

Always make sure that you clean the pipe you’re about to cut before you fit a joint to it.

Person using a tape measure to measure how much of a copper pipe will be cut.Person using a tape measure to measure how much of a copper pipe will be cut.Person using a tape measure to measure how much of a copper pipe will be cut.Person using a tape measure to measure how much of a copper pipe will be cut.

3. Cut the pipe

Measure the amount of pipe you want to cut and mark it with a pencil. Using a self cutting pipe cutter, place it over the pipe and line the cutting wheels up with the pencil mark. Rotate the cutter around the pipe until you have cut neatly through the pipe.

Person pushing two pieces of copper pipe into a pipe connector to join them together.Person pushing two pieces of copper pipe into a pipe connector to join them together.Person pushing two pieces of copper pipe into a pipe connector to join them together.Person pushing two pieces of copper pipe into a pipe connector to join them together.

4. Connect the pipes

Once you’ve cut the pipes, you can connect them using inserts and connectors. Ensure your pipe ends are clean and ensure the mandatory push-fit insert has been inserted into the pipe end. Push the connector on as far as it will go.