I had to install new push valves on CPVC today after the old white push-pull ones leaked when operated.

I was worried cutting the stuff, so I resorted to using the rotating tube cutter in the pic, rather than the squeeze blade/ratchet one also pictured .

Everything worked out with the new valves installed, but I have some questions...

--Is it possible that using the blue handled cutter could break/splinter the old, 20+ years CPVC pipe, because it may be brittle? (This is why I chose the grey tube cutter.)

--Is there a downside to using the rotating tube cutter?

--The blue squeeze cutter instruction says to only use within 2" from the pipe end. Would that be to avoid collapsing the pipe when cutting? OR what?

--Do I need to still adhere to the 2" distance if the pipe end is inserted in a valve? Thanks!

 

You can use any or all of those tools to cut pipe, no idea what the 2" min distance is about, probably just safety for not cutting off a finger for something that small.

As long as the environment is stable, not too hot, not too cold, water temps the pipe should be fine!

 

"Is it possible that using the blue handled cutter could break/splinter the old, 20+ years CPVC pipe, because it may be brittle? (This is why I chose the grey tube cutter.)"
We have no idea what color your tools are. None of your photos show a blue handle cutter. You need to tell us what type of cutter you are using.

 

OK...so the color reference can be ignored. I used the types that are in the pics.

 

I have never heard of a cutter requiring that you use it within 2" of the pipe end. I suspect that was poorly translated and should have said to try and avoid using within 2" of the pipe's end. If you play around with some scrap pipe you'll see that they both can tend to crush the pipe if cutting near the end though with lighter pressure and more turns you can get around that with the wheel cutter.

 

-My CPVC is 3/4 but I find the tube cutter to work just fine. I can't see a downside. I just go slow rotating and cutting a little at a time and I seem to get a nice square cut. I guess that's all you can ask for.

That would be my guess also. I think in extremes to try and get a picture - lol. If the squeeze cutter was close to the end of the pipe it seems to me the pipe end after the cut would probably be kind of "crushed down". Could be wrong but that's the way it seems to me.

Just saw Pilot Dane's post. I didn't catch the word "within" - I assumed also what is really meant is NOT within 2 inches of the end.

 

"I suspect that was poorly translated and should have said to try and avoid using within 2" of the pipe's end."

Correct PD I goof worded my post ...squeeze cutter paperwork says cut at least 2" out. And I presume rotating cutter matters less.

But what if I am cutting close to a valve. Do I still need to go at least 2" out?

 

It wouldn't concern me cutting any length pipe with a ratcheting cutter (or a spin one for that matter). If the CPVC is so brittle that it shatters when you try to cut it, it probably isn't long for this world anyway.

 

The truth of the matter is you cut where you have to. Often you don't have the option to cut somewhere else no matter what the cutter instructions say.

Cutting several inches away from a valve or fitting is generally a good idea. It leaves enough pipe that you can easily reconnect to it. If you cut to close to a fitting or valve there may not be enough pipe to properly connect to so you can be forced to cut out a good fitting or valve in order to put everything back together.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I am putting the info in my cap for future reference.