It's durable pipe that handles high water pressure loads and is relatively easy to work with. For definitions of terms see Plumbing Glossary . Open the house's highest and lowest faucets to drain the water lines. Even a small amount of water in a copper line can prevent the joint from heating up enough to accept solder. Cut the pipe with a hacksaw or a tube cutter by gradually tightening it to score and cut the pipe.
Some cutters also have a triangular reamer that can be used to remove burrs.
Sand both the fitting and pipe surfaces to be soldered with a wire brush or emery cloth and wipe clean with a rag. Then apply flux on both pieces. Flux prevents the joint from oxidizing and helps solder flow and bond to the copper. Fit the pieces together and heat the joint with a propane torch. It should only take up to 30 seconds to get the temperature hot enough to melt solder.