Cutting copper pipe in a very tight space

[RachelG]

Hi everyone,

I'm running copper pipework for my new bathroom and there's a spot about the isolation valve which is really tight because everything has to fit behind the wall until it can run under the bath and there wasn't much space as there's a sink there too. Made a silly mistake with the angle an elbow was facing and need to cut back and redo that joint. I can't get my pipe cutter to turn round there - any advice please?

Thanks
Rachel

 

[gmartine]

Without seeing it only way is manually with a mini or junior hacksaw or multi tool. Taking care to try and cut it fairly squarely and clean up the remaining burr. Nobody likes doing this just take your time.

 

[Deleted member 120897]

One way if you did want to use a pipe slice/cutter is to manipulate the pipe in a way, eg pull it forward slightly (if possible) get it onto the pipe and use grips to turn the slice.

 

[RachelG]

Thanks all, too tight to get anything except a multitool near the pipe so will try carefully with that, although think I'll probably deform the pipe and have to cut the run further up and redo the whole section :-( We will see.

 

[SimonG]

Thanks all, too tight to get anything except a multitool near the pipe so will try carefully with that, although think I'll probably deform the pipe and have to cut the run further up and redo the whole section :-( We will see.

Multi tool normally pretty good at maintaining the pipe shape.

 

[Ben-gee]

Don’t know the situation but I have chased out wall to allow slice to turn if there’s no play in pipes?

 

[Timmy D]

If the goal is to adjust the angle of the elbow….heat it back up with the torch and pull it off with a pair of grips.

As soon as it’s off and the pipe/solder is still hot, wipe it with wire wool/flux brush to remove excess solder to make it easier to get a new elbow back on.

 

[RachelG]

If the goal is to adjust the angle of the elbow….heat it back up with the torch and pull it off with a pair of grips.

As soon as it’s off and the pipe/solder is still hot, wipe it with wire wool/flux brush to remove excess solder to make it easier to get a new elbow back on.

Wow thanks, I never thought of redoing the bad elbow joint. Will bear in mind for the future. In the end I redid the section as it seemed the easiest full proof solution.