Apply a thin layer of flux to the mating surface of the fitting. Insert the pipe into the fitting, making sure it is tight against the bottom of the fitting. Soldering comes on a spool and looks like wire. You’ll need 8 to 10 inches of the solder extended from the spool.
How do you solder a pipe to a fitting?
1 Apply a thin layer of lead-free soldering paste (flux) to the end of the pipe using a flux brush. The paste should cover about 1 inch of pipe. 2 Insert the pipe into the fitting, making sure it is tight against the bottom of the fitting. 3 Twist the fitting slightly to spread the flux.
Can You solder a hole in a copper pipe?
Repairing a hole in a copper pipe is a temporary fix. The solder for this is often 50/50 solder and contains lead. It’s always best to replace a section of pipe instead of patching a pinhole. Safety Tip: Never use leaded solder on copper pipes that carry potable water. If you must solder a hole in copper pipe as a repair, here’s how:
What is the best way to solder wire without lead?
For instance, if a solder wire product has a 50/50 ratio, it is not lead-free, and hence, is dangerous. Another reason for applying flux is that it helps in preventing corrosion of filler material and base metal. A pencil torch coupled with igniters is a good pick for copper pipes of½-inch, or even 3/4-inch.
How to solder copper pipes with a propane torch?
Once the copper has sweat, place the propane torch right under the plug to dissolve it. A damp cloth plays two roles: it absorbs heat and protects against flames. 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.
How do you solder copper pipe in a bathroom?
0:061:00How To Solder Copper Pipes | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a light coating of solder paste or flux to the inside of the valve fittings. And to theMoreApply a light coating of solder paste or flux to the inside of the valve fittings. And to the cleaned end of the copper pipe insert. The end of the pipe all the way into the adapter.
What do plumbers use to solder?
Types of Solder Buy lead-free solder that's designed for copper water pipes; you'll find it in the plumbing section of the store. Solder with lead is still available, but the lead can leach into your water supply, so don't use it.
What solder should you use on water pipes?
Lead-free plumbing solders are required for use on pipes carrying drinking water, also known as potable water lines. Leaded solders are available for applications that will not come into contact with potable water, such as sheet metal repair or copper drain lines.
Can you solder a plumbing joint?
You can actually boil the solder out of the fitting or into the pipe depending on your torch placement. Not so much with larger piping, but with 1/2" it is easy to do it. You should only use about 1/2" to 3/4" of solder to make a joint on that size; don't add more or you could just fill the pipe.
Is there a difference between electric solder and plumbing solder?
Electrical solders have a lower melting point (around 360˚F), while solders used in plumbing have higher melting points, usually well over 400˚F. This is why electrical soldering can be done using a soldering iron while most plumbing soldering uses a gas torch to heat up the metals.
How long after soldering can you turn water on?
If you followed these instructions, the joint is likely very tight. The only good way to test is to put pressure on the joint (turn on the water to the house). Be sure to wait until the solder has cooled (2-3 minutes) before pressurizing the line to avoid the solder cracking due to a quick change in temperature.
Which solder should you use to sweat domestic water lines?
Copper-tin SolderCopper-tin Solder: Contains 97% tin and 3% copper. Lead-free and safe for water supply lines. Designed for sweating copper and brass plumbing joints.
How do you solder a dripping pipe?
0:243:04How to solder a dripping pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo a good way to stop it is to use a piece of bread. If you just take the bread and roll it up andMoreSo a good way to stop it is to use a piece of bread. If you just take the bread and roll it up and actually shove it into the pipe.
Can you solder without flux?
Yes, you need flux. Solder wire usually has flux in its core, but most still apply additional flux. I would figure out what specification of flux is in the solder wire you're using and buy that type. To obtain the best results, always use extra flux!
What is the best sealant for leaking pipes?
The following list looks at the best pipe thread sealant for a number of applications.BEST OVERALL: Gasoila – SS16 Soft-Set Pipe Thread Sealant with PTFE.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dixon Valve TTB75 PTFE Industrial Sealant Tape.BEST FOR WATER: Oatey 31230 Pipe Joint Compound with PTFE with Brush.More items...•
How do I fix a leaking soldered pipe joint?
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.
How do you solder properly?
0:522:02We Teach You How To Properly Solder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut the put the wire on the bottom. Incredibly hot the trick there we go it's to keep the solder offMorePut the put the wire on the bottom. Incredibly hot the trick there we go it's to keep the solder off of the tip once you're done so see it gives us the moist sponge the damp sponge.
How to disassemble a soldered joint?
You can easily disassemble a soldered joint by heating the joint and pulling it apart using a pair of pliers. Once you've disassemble the joint, you'll most likely find it impossible to reassemble as the solder will prevent the two parts from sliding together. There are two ways around this.
How to make copper pipe?
Step 1: Cut Your Pipe. The first step to assembling copper pipe is to cut your pipe to length. The easiest and best way to accomplish this is by using a tubing cutter. I've been using a small close quarters cutter, but there are larger cutters, which operate on the same principle.
Can solder be applied without flux?
Without flux, the solder can only form a superficial layer at the entrance of the joint and even if it initially does not leak it won't hold up long. I apply a liberal layer of flux to both the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe before sliding the two parts together. Ask Question.
Can you solder a T fitting together?
Fittings with multiple joints (such as a T-fitting) can be tricky to solder together as the heat intended for one joint can easily soften the solder of the adjacent joint. While this isn't necessarily a problem, if the adjacent joint is situated such that gravity will pull it apart, it can easily fall apart.
Does solder melt copper?
If it does not melt or only slightly melts, I remove the solder and continue to heat until the solder easily melts onto the copper. Once the solder easily melts onto the joint, I apply enough solder to fill the joint and then re-heat the fitting, which draws the solder into the joint.
Can copper pipe be crushed?
Be careful not to over tighten as the copper pipe can easily be crushed. After tightening the cutter, it is rotated around the pipe several times until the tension on the cutting wheel begins to be released as a grove is cut into the pipe.
Can solder flow through pipe?
Also note that excess solder can flow into the inside of the pipe, which can interfere with flow through the pipe if the quantity of this solder is large. At this point you have completed your joint and can simply clean away any flux remaining on the joint.
What is Soldering?
Soldering, pronounced “soddering,” or “saw-ter-ing” is a way of joining pipe using solder. The metal on either side of the joint isn’t melted like in welding, but the solder is. Solder is a filler metal that goes into the joint between two pieces of pipe. It’s a metal alloy, or mix of metals.
Tools, Materials and Safety Gear
You’ll need certain tools for soldering copper pipe. In addition to your supplies, proper safety gear is a must. Soldering produces fumes, so keep ventilation in mind.
Prepare the Pipe and Clean Inside of the Pipe Fitting
Preparation is the most important part of the process. If you’re working on a pipe that’s part of an active water line, make sure the water is shut off and drained. The pipe needs to be dry before you can solder anything. Having clean and smooth pipe fittings helps your soldering adhere well.
Apply Flux to the Pipe and Fitting
Once you’ve prepped the copper pipe and the pipe fitting, it’s time to add the flux:
Unwind the Solder
Soldering comes on a spool and looks like wire. You’ll need 8 to 10 inches of the solder extended from the spool.
Heat the Fitting to Sweat the Copper Pipe
When you’ve prepped yourself and your workspace, it’s time to turn up the heat. Soldering produces fumes, so be ready with safety equipment:
Touch the Solder to the Pipe
Heat the pipe fitting opposite where you’re applying the solder. Once the solder moves, the whole joint is hot enough to solder. There’s no need to heat the pipe more than that. Don’t burn off the flux, as it’s protecting the pipe and allowing your solder to flow smoothly.
How to get solder to melt?
When you notice that the solder has started to melt, with the help of channel locks, pull apart the fittings. Next, use a wet cloth, and remove all the left-behind old solder. Once satisfied, begin the process of reapplying new solder, starting with cleaning, then adding the flux, and finally torching it up.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
