Underground copper tube can be joined to the water main, corporation stop, water meter, meter-yoke, etc. using various joining methods such as compression joints, flared joints, packed joints, and soldering or brazing — although less common — where permitted. Straighten and re-size/re-round the ends of the copper tube. Click to see full answer.
Can you use copper solder underground?
Re: copper solder joints underground. in order to melt the silver solder, a temperature of 1300 to 1500 deg F must be obtained. the joint must be heated to a "cherry red" color. if you overheated the joint, the pipe would melt. soft copper which is used underground is by its nature weaker than hard copper.
Can You solder copper pipe with a torch?
When operating the torch, make sure that you are not soldering at very high temperatures as that may lead to a severed flux and, subsequently, a damaged copper pipe. Plus, if not handled with care, chances of you causing a fire are high.
Why is it so hard to solder copper pipe joints?
The availability of water within the pipe makes it hard to solder joints because the torch steams the water, which in turn diminishes the heat’s intensity to a level that is not adequate for sweating copper. Sure it’s a tedious task, but with the right set of tools, equipment, and techniques, you can be great at it.
What is the best way to solder water pipes?
The solder we use today is much stronger then the old 50-50 we used prior to the early 80's for water piping and I would do it on a remodeling job such as you are doing. Just make sure you get the joint shinny clean (no pits), not out of round and no water in the piping to hamper the soldering. Edited 1 times. Brazing is the easiest way.
How do you fix a broken copper pipe underground?
3:385:58How To Repair An Underground Copper Pipe Leak In Your Front YardYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd deeper it you want a very very clean surface in there it creates a much better flow. And it's upMoreAnd deeper it you want a very very clean surface in there it creates a much better flow. And it's up to code so we're gonna go ahead and take that next step in the soldering. Process.
Does copper corrode underground?
Copper is essentially immune to corrosion. It behaves like a noble metal in most underground environments because of the naturally protective film that forms on the metal's surface. If this film, which often consists of reddish-brown cuprous oxide (Cu 20), is destroyed and cannot be repaired, copper will corrode.
How long do buried copper pipes last?
roughly 70-80 yearsTypes of Piping: What Your Pipes Are Made Of & How Long They Will Last. Copper: Copper piping remains extremely common in plumbing systems across America. Copper pipes last roughly 70-80 years, so if your house was constructed fairly recently, your copper pipes are probably in good shape.
Can you solder hole in water pipe?
0:002:03Can You Temporarily PATCH a Pinhole With Solder? | GOT2LEARNYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat there's no water in the pipe. Secondly. You'll need a torch some 50/50 solder and all that'sMoreThat there's no water in the pipe. Secondly. You'll need a torch some 50/50 solder and all that's required to complete a full solder.
Is it OK to bury copper pipe?
In most cases, the best option for installing copper underground is to bury it in direct contact with the soil. Copper is naturally corrosion resistant to most soils and underground environments.
Can you bury copper pipe in cement?
Concrete in direct contact with copper would corrode it. 15mm copper pipes will need to move as they expand / contract with the heat produced. Think about using plastic push fit pipes instead... Run them in a plastic waste pipe.
Does mortar corrode copper pipe?
Copper will not react with dry, hardened concrete and/or mortar. I recently dug out some copper pipes buried for about 60 years in cement and mortar and whilst there was some discolouration there was no sign at all of any degredation of the Cu. It will outlive you and the house so go for it.
Are old copper pipes worth anything?
The copper pipes will fetch you more money if they are free of paint, rubber, or other metal coatings. Any additions to your copper pipes make them impure and will not cost much as scrap metal. For example, 0.5 lbs of high-quality scrap copper are worth $1.17. This is at $2.20 per pound of copper scrap metal.
Can copper pipes last 100 years?
As a general rule, copper pipes will last 70 to 80 years before they need replacing. However, some copper pipes have been known to last much longer and can be in working condition after 100 to 150 years. When copper pipes are nearing the end of their life, they will develop pinhole leaks.
How do you permanently fix a pinhole leak in a copper pipe?
1:214:18How to Fix a Pinhole Leak in a Copper Pipe -- by Home Repair TutorYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the fix-it stick you want to mold. And shape it. Around the copper pinhole leak. So that it'sMoreSo the fix-it stick you want to mold. And shape it. Around the copper pinhole leak. So that it's watertight. And creates a nice seal.
Can I patch a pinhole in copper pipe?
2:354:53How to fix a pinhole leak in copper pipe. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd try and line that rubber up with the center of the rubber. So the rubber in the pinhole. BothMoreAnd try and line that rubber up with the center of the rubber. So the rubber in the pinhole. Both centered and then I'm simply just gonna tighten that hose clamp up with my nut driver.
Can You Use Flex Seal on copper pipes?
Flex Seal will work on roofs, gutters, skylights, windowsills, flashings, downspouts, foundations, awnings, chimneys, vent pipes, RV's, campers, trailers. It can be applied to wood, copper and other metals, concrete, masonry, glass, fabric, plastics and much more.
How to clean copper lines?
Once the line is clear of water, it’s time to begin the cleaning process. Using the sand cloth, clean the areas where you’re going to connect the copper lines. Typically a good rule of thumb is about 5 to 8 inches on each side of the leak.
What is the number to call for copper pipe leak?
If you’ve got an underground copper pipe leak and want some help getting it taken care of, give us a call at 818-927-6309. The post Call on the Twin Home Experts For Affordable Remodeling appeared first on Twin Home Experts.
Why is it so hard to solder copper?
The availability of water within the pipe makes it hard to solder joints because the torch steams the water, which in turn diminishes the heat’s intensity to a level that is not adequate for sweating copper.
How to cut copper pipe?
Use a tube cutter to cut the copper pipe. Mount the cutting wheel on the line, tighten it, and then rotate it. You have to repeat this step at least eight times until the tube falls off.
How to test if solder wire is hot?
Start by applying it for five seconds. To have a uniform heat spread, torch up the opposite side for five seconds as well. To test whether the required temperature has been reached, place the solder wire on top of the pipe. If it melts, the temperature has gone to its optimal point.
What happens if you raise the temperature of copper pipe?
If you raise the temperature beyond acceptable levels, the copper pipe will significantly heat up. This will damage the flux and render it unusable. Overall, too much heat can lead to your copper pipes being damaged and the flux dissolving.
How hot does a soldering iron get?
That said, keep a check on the wattage, as it helps to indicate the temperature of the soldering iron. A 40-watt device can produce a minimum of 800 degrees Fahrenheit of heat; thus, a 15-watt one can easily provide 550 degrees Fahrenheit of heat.
Why do you need a damp cloth for soldering?
Simply get a cloth nice and wet, and wrap it on to the pipe connectors. Since they absorb excessive heat and keep the temperature in check, the solder won’t melt or damage the pipe.
Why are copper pipes so popular?
Copper pipes are high in demand because of their versatility – they are known to be excellent thermal conductors – and their corrosion-resistant properties make them last a long time with little to no maintenance.
What is soldering made of?
Soldering is a process of joining different types of metals together. The solder itself is a metal alloy. It is typically made of tin or led , which is melted using a hot iron or torch. It is best to avoid lead solders, as they are toxic. This heat creates an electrical bond with the copper pipe.
What to do if your water pipe is dripping?
If your pipe continues to drip, you will need to turn off the water again. Then, open your faucets to drain the line once again. The difference this time is you will need to cut out the whole elbow. Although this may seem irrational, it may be your only option.
Can you solder a pipe if you don't try it?
You will want to dry the outside of the elbow thoroughly. If you do not fully try the pipe, then you will not be able to solder it because water and fire do not mix.
Can you heat solder while turning it?
You should have a pair of slip-joint plyers in your strong hand as well. If you have to remove the old solder, you can keep heating it while turning it with your plyers. This part can be a bit dangerous, so be careful when removing the old solder.
Can you turn water back on after soldering?
Let’s hope that your solder worked and that you stopped the leak! However, after you turn the water back on, you will want to check the pipes and watch them as the water runs through. If it appears to be leak-free, check again in a couple of hours.
Can you resolder copper pipe without removing it?
If you decide you want to re-solder a copper pipe, the best option is to do so without removing it from the wall. The only concern with this method is that you will need to use heat and avoid damaging anything around the pipe. The best method of re-soldering a copper pipe join without removing it is to simply drain the water, ...
What are the factors that contribute to underground corrosion of copper?
Other factors that could promote underground corrosion of copper include: Oxygen differential concentration cells. Preferential corrosion is sometimes found on the underside of copper tubes because they are in contact ...
Why is corrosion found on copper tubes?
Preferential corrosion is sometimes found on the underside of copper tubes because they are in contact with undisturbed soil where the oxygen content is reduced, in contrast to the upper portion of the tube which may be exposed to aerated backfill where oxygen content is high. Variable aeration characteristics.
Why do cinders fill?
Moist cinder fills, either because of the sulfides present in the cinders or because of galvanic action between the copper tube and the cinders; Anaerobic SRB (sulfate reducing bacteria), which produce sulfides and are aggressive to copper; Appreciable amounts of ammonia or ammonia compounds, which may be introduced by lawn fertilizers.
What happens when silicon caulking is outgassed?
The outgassing of ammonia, within the sleeve, can lead to stress corrosion cracking of the copper tube, and eventual failure.
Can copper be attacked by cinders?
Although connections of copper tube to ferrous water mains can be very favorable for the copper tube, the copper could still be attacked if it is embedded in backfill materials containing cinders.
Where to lay oxygen tube?
Laying the tube on the bottom of a trench, directly on the undisturbed or virgin soil can allow an oxygen differential cell to develop along the bottom of the tube where it is in contact with the less oxygenated (less aerated) soil, possibly leading to accelerated corrosion in this area.
Does copper tubing decompose?
The decomposition of wood, especially many types of treated wood products, can greatly increase the acidic level of the soil surrounding the tube as those wood (organic materials) decompose. It is recommended that copper tubing be installed so that it is surrounded by a homogenous backfill.