Should you use propane or MAP gas when soldering copper pipe?
When sweating or soldering copper pipe, we’ve been asked about using either propane or MAP gas. In truth, both types of fuel will get the job done. The main difference between propane or MAP gas is that the MAP is hotter. What that translates to is you will heat up the pipe quicker allowing you to solder faster.
Can you use copper pipe for propane line?
Copper Line Considerations. In 1999, the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) designated that copper tubing and fittings are allowable for gas-distribution systems, including propane. However, some individual states still have limitations on copper use for gas distribution tubing.
Can you use acetylene solder with copper lines?
If you’re using really small and thin copper lines like the ones more commonly used in new construction installs you might even find acetylene is too hot and burns your lines away. You can usually compensate for this though by adjusting your pressure. As for the solder, it comes in a spool that you unwind as you need more to melt into your joint.
What is the difference between brazing and soldering copper pipe?
Because of lower temperatures than brazing, soldering does not oxidize the inside of a copper pipe and therefore you don’t need to purge your pipe with nitrogen when you’re soldering.
Can you solder gas copper pipe?
When sweating or soldering copper pipe, we've been asked about using either propane or MAP gas. In truth, both types of fuel will get the job done.
How do you solder gas lines?
0:281:53How to Solder a Pipe | Ask Richard | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo make the solder bond to the carpet we need to apply flux to both the pipe. And the fitting. AndMoreTo make the solder bond to the carpet we need to apply flux to both the pipe. And the fitting. And now the fun. Part the heat. The torch is made up of two parts the fuel canister.
Is soldering copper pipe illegal?
State law prohibits the use of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that is not lead free in any public water system or facility providing water for human consumption.
What type of copper is used for natural gas lines?
Types K and L copper tube (ASTM B 88) and ACR tube (ASTM B 280), up to and including 1-inch outside diameter, have been used in fuel gas systems for many years. Usually, Type L is used for interior distribution systems and Type K for any underground lines.
Can solder ring fittings be used on gas?
Can Solder Ring Fittings be used on Gas pipework? Yes, Flowflex Solder Ring Fittings are suitable for use on Low Pressure Gas Pipework in domestic premises. Fittings can also be installed on hot and cold-water services, heating installations and fuel services.
How do you braze copper gas line?
3:014:50BOC - How to join and braze copper piping (gas welding) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe molten filler metal will follow the heat from the flame as it is directed along the joint theMoreThe molten filler metal will follow the heat from the flame as it is directed along the joint the brazing alloys should be applied according to its flow characteristics.
Why is soldering pipe illegal?
In 1986 Congress Amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, prohibiting the use of pipes, solder or flux that were not “lead free” in public water systems or plumbing in facilities providing water for human consumption.
When was lead solder banned plumbing?
1986The 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act Lead Ban required the use of “lead-free” pipe, solder, and flux in the installation or repair of any public water system or any plumbing in a residential or non-residential facility providing water for human consumption.
When did they stop using lead solder?
1986In 1986, the U.S. mandated a lead-free solder for plumbing, so the age of your house and knowledge of when the plumbing was installed can help you. If your house was built before 1986, your plumbing may have lead solder.
Why can't you use copper pipe for natural gas?
Copper tubing will be attacked over time by the gas. This will eventually result in a failure which will result in a gas leak. For this reason copper tubing will no longer meet code in many areas. This happened at my house and I was forced to replace all copper tubing with black iron pipe.
Is copper approved for natural gas?
1 Copper alloy tubing shall not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet of gas (0.7 milligrams per 100 liters).
Can you use flexible copper tubing for natural gas?
Flexible copper tube is commonly used in gas distribution systems...and not just in new homes. For more than 30 years copper tube has been reliably delivering both natural and LP gas to residential, commercial and retail structures.
Is propane hot enough to solder copper pipe?
Propane works fine, it just takes longer—which may work to your advantage if you are new to soldering copper and are working on 3/4-inch or 1/2-inch pipe. The choice of a torch is really up to you.
What type of gas is used for soldering?
Use MAPP gas to speed up the job MAPP gas torches burn hotter than propane, making them a better choice for modern solder. Five to 10 seconds of heating with a MAPP gas torch is all that's required before you can feed solder into most 1/2- to 3/4-in.
How do you solder with a blowtorch?
1:5213:01How To Solder Copper Pipe Using a Propane Blowtorch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd T's and what not cleaning those out and then this one is for putting onto the pipe itself. ThisMoreAnd T's and what not cleaning those out and then this one is for putting onto the pipe itself. This side D bursts the inside of the pipe. After you've cut it so very handy.
How do you solder a pipe with a torch?
1:533:18Build with Fire: How to Solder Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI need to heat the fitting a lot of people do the pipe it's incorrect you have to heat the fittingMoreI need to heat the fitting a lot of people do the pipe it's incorrect you have to heat the fitting itself and the solder will go right at the joint when a pot enough it'll start to melt.
What is soldering copper?
Soldering also has two other important aspects that can be advantageous depending on what you’re doing: 1 Because of lower temperatures than brazing, soldering does not oxidize the inside of a copper pipe and therefore you don’t need to purge your pipe with nitrogen when you’re soldering. 2 Although the higher temperatures involved with brazing create stronger joints, the higher temperatures also weaken the structural integrity of the copper pipe itself and make it more prone to breaks caused by bends or strong vibrations.
When soldering copper pipe, should you use flux?
When you’re soldering you should always use flux. Use the minimum amount necessary – a very thin coating; no globs – because if you use too much it can contaminate the HVAC system you’re working on with impurities, not to mention weaken your pipe. Only flux the outside of the copper tubing that you’re joining. Don’t even use flux on the fitting (the edge).
What does it mean to braze and solder HVAC?
Brazing and soldering are some of the most common things you’ll do in HVAC. Doing it right means you’ll have a system that works; that stands up to the challenge of pressure and temperature. Doing it wrong means your joints will fail and so will the system they’re tied to.
What torch to use for brazing copper pipe?
Because brazing involves higher temperatures than soldering, using an oxygen-acetylene torch is your surest bet because this gets hotter than a MAPP gas or propane torch, although for most small-to-medium jobs (thinner copper piping) a turbo torch should also work. Also remember that MAPP gas burns hotter than propane.
What is silver solder?
Silver Solder refers to when you’re using solder that’s around 45 percent silver or higher. You won’t use this type of solder too often. It’s useful when you’re making joints with steel, like when connecting copper lines to steel, or connecting steel to steel.
What type of metal joins do HVAC technicians use?
We’ll focus on using copper piping/lines (L tubing). This is hands down the most common type of metal joining you’ll do as an HVAC tech.
What flux to use to connect copper to steel?
If you’re using silver solder – that is, solder with 45 percent silver or higher – to connect copper to steel you must always use an acid-based flux.
What temperature should solder be before melting?
You need to use solder that exceeds 1100 degrees fahrenheit before it melts.
How far away from gas log should I shut off?
The shut off has to be with in 6 foot of the gas log and in the same room. I can't run around the house do to patio.
Is PlBG a place to ask radiant heating questions?
Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Does Gastite have online training?
The gastite site actually has online training videos on how to correctly install CSST.
Is black pipe time consumming?
After using CSST, black pipe is too time consumming and as a matter of fact, is a bit complicated when comparing the two together.
What is the difference between propane and MAP gas?
In truth, both types of fuel will get the job done. The main difference between propane or MAP gas is that the MAP is hotter. What that translates to is you will heat up the pipe quicker allowing you to solder faster.
Can you use propane torch heads with MAP gas?
There needs to be caution exercised because most torch heads designed for propane are not compatible with MAP gas unless clearly indicated on the torch head. Make sure you understand which tools to use before attempting to switch from one to the other.
Is lead solder compatible with MAP?
Also, since lead-based solder is not code-compliant for domestic water systems, the tin and silver-based solder take a little more heat to get them to flow. MAP gets the job done quicker for this as well. There needs to be caution exercised because most torch heads designed for propane are not compatible with MAP gas unless clearly indicated on ...
Bubba
Most areas wont even allow copper or soldered lines for gas. Gas causes copper to flake inside and that plugs up controls. Also, flames and gas arent a real good combination either. Bubba
Eric
We'll watch for you on the news. Set up a camera outside so we can watch the big bang. Eric
Astro
That for real? About 6 years ago, I had a big underground gas tank installed by the local gas company and they used copper throughout. Of course, the lawn guy then promptly ran into the house feed and never told me. Learned about that one went I went out back and smelled gas... That installation was an accident waiting to happen...
Stormin Mormon
I've seen copper used for propane. But on NG systems, the furnaces I've
Bubba
Ive seen a ton of it. I also like that gate valve they installed on them for a shut off. As soon as you turn it, the stem moves and it starts leaking. I guess they didnt know any better back then. Bubba
besenzig
I have a 22mm copper pipe running from the meter under the floor which branches off into a 15mm feed for the front room gas fire. Still in 22mm it continues and branches off to feed the hob in 15mm and then on to the boiler also in 15mm.
sooey
I think he means it, he's already posted the same thing on screwfix forum and been told in no uncertain terms, but doesn't want to listen.
gas4you
Perhaps its someone checking up on us from rogue traders or house of horrors for a tv special. I'd better polish me bald spot for the cameras
sanj.varah
whilst at uni, we had a new boiler fitted by the landlord. BG used the OP's method of installation and testing. although he used a candle to check for leaks!
besenzig
Corgiman....thank you for your comments....yes I have posted the same question at screwfix so you would have seen my comment that the last CORGI registerd man left me with a leak at the gas fire. I too had the same opinion of him as you have of me, he too was a Dangerous Tosspot, but it was me who had to tighten the nut he left loose.
hav it
The hole point of corgi is making people accountable for there work, Setting a standard to work from.Whats the hole point of having a system in place and note the best in europe , if billy wombat thinks stuff it ill do it myself save a few quid. (Stop the world he wants to get off)
giblets
Wait 'till he gets a bill from Transco (SGN?) for blowing up the meter. A CORGI would have been cheap compared with that.
Why do copper pipes have protective tape?
This prevents damage to the line from vehicles or animals crushing the tubular shape, causing possible leaks. Copper lines can have protective tape or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) sheathed around the tube's exterior for extra protection against underground corrosion. Advertisement.
What is the catalyst for corrosion of copper tubing?
A catalyst for the aggressive soil corrosion is water. Water within the soil, that cannot drain properly, provides a corrosion-friendly area for copper tubing.
Can you use copper pipe for propane?
Consumers should verify an individual state's laws with a certified propane professional before installing copper tubing.
Is copper a good material for a propane line?
Copper offers a relatively inexpensive material for service line composition. Copper has the ability to be formed in long service line coils. This flexible copper can easily install around obstacles between the propane tank and the house, as opposed to black pipe which requires 90-degree turns for maneuvering around an obstruction. As a result, installation and material costs decrease, making copper an appealing material choice.
Can you mix copper with other metals?
Mixing Metals. Copper is a metal that has Galvanic properties, developing corrosion when touching other metals, such as iron or steel. Copper lines must not mix with other metal line tubing. Installers should install pure and complete copper lines between the propane tank and the home.
