A clean, square cut is the foundation of every copper joint, whether it is soldered or push-fit. The right tool makes the cut quick and leaves the pipe ready to join.
The cutter
A tubing cutter scores and slices the pipe in a perfect circle, leaving a square, burr-free edge.
The cut
Spin the cutter around the pipe, tightening slightly each turn, until the wheel cuts through without crushing the tube.
The deburr
Ream the inside edge to remove the ridge the cutter leaves, because that burr causes turbulence and pinholes over time.
The straight
A hacksaw works in a pinch but needs a guide to stay square. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Wilmington, a pro always deburrs before joining.
The ream
After cutting, run a reamer inside the pipe to remove the ridge. Skipping the ream leaves a burr that traps debris and causes turbulence.
The call
Get a clean cut before a clean joint. Call 888-217-3585 and Wilmington, DE Plumbing Pros will match you with a Wilmington pro.
Plumbing in Wilmington: what to know
In Wilmington, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across New Castle County — from Elsmere, Penns Grove and New Castle to ZIP codes like 19801, 19802, 19809 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Wilmington?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Wilmington, DE Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Wilmington.