capping a pipe
- Thread starter ogc
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No procedure really, turn the water off drain the pipe down cut it cap it,
there are three types of cap solder compression or push fit.
Only one thing to bear in mind, if you are capping the pipe permanently make sure you cut the pipe as close to the start of that leg, so that the water left in that section does not stagnate and give you strange diseases.
there are three types of cap solder compression or push fit.
Only one thing to bear in mind, if you are capping the pipe permanently make sure you cut the pipe as close to the start of that leg, so that the water left in that section does not stagnate and give you strange diseases.
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Switch off the boiler, immersion heaters etc.
Close off supply feeding taps if you have one, or turn off water supply and drain down system.
Open up bath taps to drain any residual water left in pipes.
Place tray under pipe in position you wish to cut to catch last remaining water - you'll be suprised at how much can be lingering in a pipe!
Preferably use a kopex cutter to cut the pipe (neater cleaner cut than a hacksaw - quicker too).
Use a compression fitting stop end to cap off the pipe. Should be 22mm (but be warned maybe old imperial size 3/4" I think?
When you have placed the olive over the pipe (looks like a wedding ring) wrap PTFE tape around the olive a couple of times (you shouldn't have to do this but believe me it saves a lot of hassle!)
Do not overtighten the compression nut! This will distort the pipe and or olive, then you will have to cut off and start again.
Solder joints are obviously better than compression fittings, but require more tools and take time to perfect. Also, very difficult with any water left in the pipe!
Hope that helps...
Close off supply feeding taps if you have one, or turn off water supply and drain down system.
Open up bath taps to drain any residual water left in pipes.
Place tray under pipe in position you wish to cut to catch last remaining water - you'll be suprised at how much can be lingering in a pipe!
Preferably use a kopex cutter to cut the pipe (neater cleaner cut than a hacksaw - quicker too).
Use a compression fitting stop end to cap off the pipe. Should be 22mm (but be warned maybe old imperial size 3/4" I think?
When you have placed the olive over the pipe (looks like a wedding ring) wrap PTFE tape around the olive a couple of times (you shouldn't have to do this but believe me it saves a lot of hassle!)
Do not overtighten the compression nut! This will distort the pipe and or olive, then you will have to cut off and start again.
Solder joints are obviously better than compression fittings, but require more tools and take time to perfect. Also, very difficult with any water left in the pipe!
Hope that helps...
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I find that if your pipes have paint on them or other crud, polish the pipe to shiny metal with sandpaper before cutting it. You get a lovely luster from the copper. 
Wash off all the grit, then cut the pipe and fit your cap. You will find your compression fitting less likely to leak as there is no paint affecting the seal.
Wash off all the grit, then cut the pipe and fit your cap. You will find your compression fitting less likely to leak as there is no paint affecting the seal.
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