How to close a water pipe with a push-in fitting

During a kitchen or bathroom renovation, it is often necessary to temporarily close off water lines. For example, if you are replacing cabinets, water lines may run through the back or bottom of a sink cabinet. Rather than cutting out a large section of the cabinet to remove it, it’s usually much easier to cut off the ends of the pipes and seal them with easy-to-use push-in fittings that work with copper, CPVC or PEX plumbing pipe.

Push-in fittings are available from a variety of manufacturers. Rather than using mechanical or soldered connections, they work through a system of internal seals and sharp barbs that grip the pipe securely. Push-in fittings are now approved in almost every plumbing code in the country.

Turn off the water

Turn off the water supply to the house. As you cut the water lines behind or below the shutoff valve on each pipe, you must turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. Relieve residual water and pressure from the pipes by turning on an outside faucet or a faucet that is lower than the pipes you are working on (e.g., a laundry tub in the basement). This will minimize the amount of water that comes out of the pipes when you cut into them.

Cut the pipes

Cut the water pipes with a pipe cutter if you have enough room to rotate the tool around the pipe. You can also use a hacksaw, but be sure to make a clean, square cut to ensure a good seal with the push-in fittings. Leave as much pipe as possible so you don’t have to add an extension later when you reconnect the fitting.

Clean the ends of the pipe

Clean the end of each cut pipe with a rag. It should be smooth and free of old solder or other material. If necessary, you can smooth rough surfaces with emery cloth, but be careful not to abrade the pipe; it should have its original roundness and diameter to ensure a proper seal with the slip-on fitting.

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