How to Sweat Copper Pipes at the Joint
- Disassemble a Soldered Joint. Make sure the pipe is drained of any remaining water. Ignite the propane torch and play...
- Clean the Joint. Thoroughly burnish (polish by rubbing) the fitting inside and out with a wire brush or emery cloth,...
- Apply Flux. Available as a paste or liquid, flux is a material that cleans the...
Full Answer
How to sweat copper pipe?
How To: Sweat Copper Pipe. STEP 1: Check the pipe for burr and remove any that remains. Examine inside all cut copper pipes to ensure that the burr (a ridge of copper shards ... STEP 2: Cleaning the the mouth of each pipe with emery cloth. STEP 3: Apply a thin, even layer of flux to the pipes. STEP ...
How do you sweat a pipe joint?
Plumbing Basics: How to Sweat a Pipe Joint. 1 Step 1: Cut. To begin, cut the pipe to length by tightening on a tubing cutter and turning. 2 Steps 2 and 3: Ream and Clean. 3 Step 4: Assemble.
How do you solder copper pipe to a joint?
If the joint forms a t-junction, begin at the base, move up to the top, and then down the other side. If the joint is vertical, move the solder around the joint, covering it evenly. If the copper is blackened or the solder beads, appears discolored, or drips out, your pipe may be too hot. Never use acid core solder for sweating copper pipe. [12]
What is sweating a pipe?
Sweating a pipe is a slang term for soldering a pipe or joint for the purpose of sealing a new joint or mending a fault. This is a basic plumbing process frequently used in improvement projects.
How do you sweat a copper joint?
How to Sweat Copper PipeStep 1: Assemble the Soldering Tools.Step 2: Cut Copper With a Tube Cutter.Step 3: Remove the Burrs.Step 4: Clean With Emery Cloth.Step 5: Clean With a Fitting Brush.Step 7: Flux the Joint.Step 8: Heat the Joint.Step 9: Use Special Techniques for Tough Spots.
Can you sweat out copper?
Copper can be detected in human sweat [12-16]. Copper concentrations in sweat show interindividual variations and to a lesser degree intraindividual variations. Copper concentrations vary depending on the collection area [13]. During exercise, copper sweat excretion is stable [14].
What do you need to sweat a joint?
0:093:43How to Sweat Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll also need solder and flux the solder is a metal alloy that melts at a much lower temperatureMoreYou'll also need solder and flux the solder is a metal alloy that melts at a much lower temperature than the copper. So you can join the metals without melting the copper.
What does sweating copper mean?
Soldering a pipe joint or "sweating a pipe" is accomplished by heating a copper fitting with a propane torch until the fitting is just hot enough to melt metal solder. The heat draws the solder into the gap between the fitting and pipe to form a water tight seal.
Can you undo soldered joint?
0:213:41How To Desolder Pipes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn. Process is very straightforward because we use heat to melt the solder. Once the solders moltenMoreIn. Process is very straightforward because we use heat to melt the solder. Once the solders molten it releases its grip.
Is sweating and soldering the same thing?
“Sweating” and “soldering” are synonymous terms used to describe the process of using heat and solder to join copper pipe and fittings to one another. You can tell your neighbor you're heading downstairs to “solder” a joint—but “sweating” makes you sound much more worldly and DIY hip.
Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?
If the metal being joined is too cool or too hot, tinning cannot occur. Overheating is a major problem when brazing or soldering copper pipe because the flux will burn (become oxidized), stop working, and become a barrier to tinning.
Can I solder copper without flux?
3:357:40Can you solder or braze without flux - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if that happens the joint will fail furthermore a saturated flux makes the filler metal to fuseMoreAnd if that happens the joint will fail furthermore a saturated flux makes the filler metal to fuse with a copper producing a permanent bond which will be impossible to melt stopping.
What is the best flux for copper?
We recommend tinning flux. It contains a bit of powdered metal alloy that is similar to solder. The alloy melts and coats the inside of the joint and helps ensure a solder joint that's completely filled and leakproof.
Are solder joints better than compression?
Standard compression couplings vs soldered joints In conditions where a joint is prone to flexing, this can affect the integrity of a standard and/or flared compression joint; a soldered joint is preferable. A soldered joint is more difficult to install and takes longer, requiring specific tools.
Is sweating soft or hard soldering?
Soft solder joints may be made by using gas flames, wiping, sweating the joints, or by dipping in solder baths.
What's a sweat joint?
In plumbing work, a type of joint made by the union of two pieces of copper tubing which are coated with solder containing tin; the pipes are pressed together into sleeves or other joints, and heat is applied until the solder melts.
Can you sweat a copper pipe with water in it?
0:156:05Soldering Copper Pipes With Water in Them (7 Solutions) | GOT2LEARNYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo luring what water inside a pipe is literally impossible due to the fact that the water acts as aMoreSo luring what water inside a pipe is literally impossible due to the fact that the water acts as a coolant and cools the pipe as you're heating it.
Can you sweat copper with propane?
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.
How do you sweat a leaky copper pipe?
8:2310:37The CORRECT Way To Fix A Leaking Joint (UNSOLDERING) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a thin layer of flux all around it like this and get some locking pliers on the pipe toMoreApply a thin layer of flux all around it like this and get some locking pliers on the pipe to lightly tap it in place until it reaches the mark.
When sweating copper pipe where should you apply the flame from the torch?
Heat the Fitting to Sweat the Copper Pipe Put the tip of the flame against the middle of the fitting. Hold it there for 4 or 5 seconds or until the soldering paste begins to sizzle. Heat the opposite side of the fitting to ensure the heat is evenly distributed. Use the flame to heat the fitting.
How to sweat a copper pipe?
Having your equipment at the ready will ensure your pipe-sweating job goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. To properly sweat a copper pipe, you'll need: Copper connectors. Copper pipe. Insulated gloves (optional; recommended) Lead-free plumbing solder. Pipe cutter.
How to protect copper joints from heat?
To protect any joints you have already soldered, place a thoroughly damp cloth on the parts you have already soldered, then carefully apply your torch to the part yet to be done.
How to clean a soldered joint?
Clean the soldered joint. This can be done simply by brushing a little more flux paste while the copper remains warm. Then you can wipe your newly sweated joint clean with a cloth.
What is a sweat pipe?
Sweating a pipe is a slang term for soldering a pipe or joint for the purpose of sealing a new joint or mending a fault. This is a basic plumbing process frequently used in improvement projects. Sweating a pipe and connector involves proper preparation of the surface, heating the cut end of a copper pipe and the connecting piece, which will cause the solder to melt and create a leak-proof union. Correctly soldered piping can last for years or even decades.
How to tell if a pipe is ready for soldering?
You'll need to use your torch for this purpose. Hold your torch about 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from the fitting and pass it evenly over the part for about 10 to 20 seconds to warm the part and the flux. As the flux melts, it will first get shiny, then the copper should darken, and finally the flux should begin to sizzle and smoke slightly. This indicates that the pipe is ready for soldering.
What is flux solder?
Flux creates a clean surface for the solder, which will bond your copper components together.
What is a type L copper pipe?
Type L, is medium walled, and is usually ideal for home use. Type K, is thick walled. Copper pipe fittings come in three basic types -. Category 1, for making bends or turns in your pipe. Category 2, for joining or branching pipe. Category 3, which includes couplings and adapters for your pipe. ...
How to clean copper joints after soldering?
After soldering, I like to clean the joint by applying some flux while the copper is still warm, then wiping it thoroughly with a clean rag.
What is the key to sweating a watertight joint?
Preparation, not the flame, is the key to sweating a watertight joint.
How to solder a horizontal joint?
If the joint is horizontal, start at the bottom. Move up the joint, over its top and down the other side — you'll see the solder wick in. For vertical joints, move the solder around the joint, being sure to cover it evenly.
How does solder work?
Solder, which melts at low temperatures, wicks into a joint by capillary action and bonds with copper at the molecular level. But first, the joint must be cleaned, abraded to remove oxidized copper, and shielded against heat-induced oxidation by flux, an acidic, water-soluble paste.
How to keep copper pipe from slipping?
Otherwise your joint will leak. Grip the copper tubing firmly in one hand and tuck one end under your knee to keep it from slipping while you tighten and rotate the cutter (Photo 1). Don’t tighten it too fast; you’ll dent the pipe and have to start over.
Where is the hottest point on a copper pipe?
The hottest point is at the tip of the cone, so hold the flame so that the tip just touches the fitting (Photo 6). It’s not necessary to heat the copper tube directly, because the fitting quickly conducts the heat to the tube inside the joint.
How long does it take to solder copper pipes?
Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes. The process is simple—if you follow a few basic guidelines. In this story we'll show you how to solder copper quickly and easily.
How to shine copper pipe?
Clean dirt and corrosion off the outside of the pipe end with emery cloth. The copper should shine.
How to solder a joint with a propane torch?
Hold the solder against the joint on the side opposite the flame until it melts and flows into the joint. The joint should appear full on all sides. Move to the next joint. The solder hardens as it cools.
How much heat do you need to solder brass valves?
Be patient when soldering brass valves. The fitting may require five to six times as much heat to raise the joint to the solder melting point. Heat the joint from several sides if possible. Always leave valves at least partially open when soldering them.
When soldering copper pipe on a threaded adapter, should you angle the tube end upward?
Angle the tube end upward when soldering copper pipe on a threaded adapter to avoid filling the threads with excess solder.
How to heat solder on a joint?
Use the blue tip of your torch’s flame to evenly heat the joint. Then hold the flame on one side of the joint and your solder on the other. Don’t use the flame from the torch to melt the solder – let the hot metal on the joint melt it instead. Soon enough it will begin to be drawn into the joint.
How to clean oxidation off pipe?
Use some emery cloth on the end of the pipe to be sweated to clean off all the oxidation and/or protective coatings and leave a clean, bright, roughed-up surface that will let the solder really take hold. This goes for both the inside and outside of a joint, so don’t be shy about getting inside the coupling and giving it a good scrub, too. Both surfaces need to be prepped.
Can you sweat copper joints?
Here, from start to finish, are a few ways to ensure you get good results when sweating a pipe joint. (NOTE: We would hope it goes without saying to always use “lead-free” solders and fluxes when dealing with systems that carry potable water. Well, you’d think it would. But here we are saying it. So it goes.–Ed]
Can you use flux to solder joints?
An article in this magazine not long ago made the critical error of lightheartedly referring to the application of flux to a joint to be soldered as a, “slathering.” No. “Slathering” is the last thing in this lifetime you want to do with flux. A light, thin, even coat of flux that is applied with a brush (and not your fingers) and that is not at all like a “slathering” is what you want. Flux properly applied will assist the solder in penetrating the joint evenly and making the kind of joint you’ll want to Instagram.
What is the process of joining two pieces of copper together?
Soldering, also known as “sweating,” is a method of joining two pieces of copper together (usually water lines). Using high heat, a plumber joins the pipes with filler metal called solder, which is a flexible metal wire, and a paste called flux, which draws the melted solder into the joint helping to properly seal the connection or joint. Unlike welding, where the two pieces of metal melt together, soldering leaves the copper intact but joins them with melted metal.
How to get solder to flow into a joint?
The joint is ready when the solder melts. Continue to apply heat while working the tip of the soldering wire around the joint. The flux will allow the solder to flow into the joint, but be sure to give it full coverage. Use the solder wire to remove the ball of solder hanging off the bottom of the joint for a professional look.
How hot does a plumber heat a pipe?
Then, using a torch, the plumber heats the joint to around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (the melting point of the metal solder). Once the joint is hot enough, the plumber then touches the tip of the solder wire to the joint to melt the solder, which allows the flux to pull the solder into the joint. As the joint cools, the solder hardens and creates a watertight seal.
How to use flux on a pipe?
Using the acid brush, apply flux to the inside of the fitting and around the outside of the pipe. Slide the pipe into the fitting and twist it one-half turn to ensure the flux spreads around the joint. This is also a good time to position the fire cloth behind the joint and dampen anything that can burn with the spray bottle.
Where to place fire cloth when soldering?
Position a piece of fire cloth behind the pipe if you’re soldering in tight quarters.
