The use of pipes and fittings is highly varied in every home, ranging in length, shape, and connectors. However, there is no need to worry as there are many solutions available to make your pipework secure and minimize the risk of leaks.

How to Cut Pipes.

It is possible to cut copper or plastic pipes using a hacksaw, but it is not the most ideal option. To achieve a square cut, wrap masking tape around the pipe as a cutting guide, aligning its edges carefully. Nonetheless, a pipe cutter would provide a cleaner cut.

Top Tip.

It is essential to always clean the cut pipe ends before fitting a joint. File any burrs using a half-round tile, and remove any paint, tarnish, or limescale from the copper pipe using a deburring brush or wire wool.

Measure.

Measure the required pipe length and mark it with a pencil. Place the cutter over the pipe so that the cutting wheel lines up with the mark, and then tighten the screw. Slowly rotate the cutter around the pipe while tightening the screw until you cut through the pipe.

Deburring.

Insert the cutter's triangular reamer into the inside of the pipe's cut end and rotate the tool to remove the burr. Ensure that there are no copper fragments left inside the pipe, as they could damage valves or taps on the system.

Clean.

Clean the outside of the pipe by burnishing it with wire wool. This provides a good surface for the joint and guarantees a watertight seal. Alternatively, use a deburring brush, which will achieve the same result and prevent stray wire wool slivers from sticking into your fingers or falling into the pipe.

How to Connect Pipes.

The traditional methods for connecting copper pipes involve capillary joints that require soldering and brass compression joints that need tightening using an adjustable spanner. However, plastic push-fit joints are equally effective and simpler to use. They come with rubber O-rings for sealing and work well with both plastic and copper pipes.

Safety First.

It is essential to note that plastic push-fit joints on copper pipes break the continuity of a plumbing system's earth bonding. You must restore this by joining the two copper pipes with a length of 4mm2 single-core earth cable, secured by earth clamps.

Capillary Joints.

Soldered fittings are known as capillary joints because, when heated, solder is drawn between the fitting and the pipe by capillary action. You can choose between end-feed and solder-ring types. In both cases, brush a chemical cleaner (known as 'flux') onto the pipe end and inside the joint before heating. It is essential to flush the pipes thoroughly after joining to remove all traces of corrosive flux.

End-Feed Joints.

Professional plumbers typically use this type of fitting. You will need to add lead-free solder to the mouth of each joint as it is heated with a blowtorch.

Solder-Ring Joints.

These joints already have a ring of solder inside the mouth of the joint, requiring only heating.

Compression Joints.

Made mostly from brass, compression joints give you a watertight seal by squeezing a special metal ring (an 'olive') between the pipe and the body of the fitting. A cap nut screws onto the end of the joint to provide the necessary pressure against the olive. Wrap about five turns of PTFE tape clockwise around the threads of the fitting, then tighten the cap nut with an adjustable spanner while holding the fitting firmly with a pipe wrench or water pump pliers. Although bulkier than capillary fittings, compression fittings are easier to undo and retighten - and require no heating.

Hold Firm.

As you tighten the cap nut of a compression joint with an adjustable spanner, hold the fitting firmly. A pipe wrench (or 'Stillson wrench') is designed for gripping pipework, and the jaws self-tighten as you apply more force. Water pump (or 'slip-joint') pliers have long handles and an adjustable slip jaw.

Push-Fit Joints.

Initially developed for use with plastic pipe systems, push-fit joints are a great way to join copper pipes as well (though not with stainless steel or chrome-plated copper pipes). It is important to cut your pipe ends cleanly, so be sure to use a pipe cutter instead of a hacksaw. Then mark the depth of the joint on the cut ends of the pipes and push them completely home before pulling the fitting to test its security. The sharp metal teeth can cut into plastic and cause leaks, so use a special protective insert when working with a plastic pipe. The teeth can also cut fingers, so keep yours well clear.

Plastic Push-Fit Joints.

When using push-fit joints on plastic pipes, you will require a special plastic protective insert to prevent the fitting from damaging the pipe.