How do you sweat a soldering joint?
- Step 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.
How do you solder a joint?
How do you sweat a soldering joint? Step 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 …
How do you sweat a copper joint?
of course touch your solder against the inner pipe along the seam with the outer pipe. Move the heat around the fitting, don't hold it in one place. Obviously don't put the flame directly on the solder or you will melt it. As soon as the fitting sucks in the solder, stop heat and move the solder around the joint quickly.
What is the difference between sweating and soldering?
How do you fix a leaky sweaty joint? Dry the outside of the elbow and sand (120-grit paper or cloth) around the leaking jointto remove all surface corrosion. Apply soldering flux around the whole jointand apply heat with a torch until the old solder melts. Add new solder until a shiny ring of solder shows all around the joint.
Can you use acid core solder for sweating copper pipe?
Dec 10, 2020 · If the pipe isn’t hot enough, the solder won’t melt or flow, so keep it up with the torch until the solder melts upon touching the joint. Once the melting point is …
How do you sweat solder?
0:222:23Fast & Easy Sweat Soldering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll over the whole piece I've dipped them in a little paste flux. I'm gonna now gently dry it with aMoreAll over the whole piece I've dipped them in a little paste flux. I'm gonna now gently dry it with a torch I'm sure you all know how solder likes to hop around in the flux. So if anything hops.
How do you sweat your joints?
1:572:48Tutorial on Sweating Copper Joints - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFire. There we go then with the lead you can just are you can sleep it on the spool and just pullMoreFire. There we go then with the lead you can just are you can sleep it on the spool and just pull out a nice long piece we don't burn yourself. And just apply heat. We'll see the flux burning off.
Can you heat up a solder joint to take it apart?
0:373:41How To Desolder Pipes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProcess is very straightforward because we use heat to melt the solder. Once the solders molten itMoreProcess is very straightforward because we use heat to melt the solder. Once the solders molten it releases its grip.
What does sweating joints mean?
solderingSweating a pipe refers to soldering a pipe or the joint. Sweating seals a new joint or mends a fault. When sweating a pipe, it is important to do the job correctly so that a soldered pipe can last for years and years.Feb 19, 2020
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.Mar 3, 2022
Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?
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. In addition, a heavy oxide can be formed on the pipe itself, preventing a bond from forming between the filler metal and the pipe surface.Mar 6, 2006
How do you remove copper sweat fittings?
0:542:06How To UNSOLDER Copper Fittings, SUPER EASY! | GOT2LEARNYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo start eating the fitting. And use a pair of adjustable pliers to wiggle it off a little tip hereMoreSo start eating the fitting. And use a pair of adjustable pliers to wiggle it off a little tip here is to remove your pliers from the fitting as you're heating they'll absorb the heat.
Can I solder over old solder?
Just heat the joint up with your torch, once the solder starts to melt use Channel locks to pull the fittings apart. Once the joint is apart, wipe as much old solder off as you can with a rag. Now you can start over.
Can you solder a wet joint?
Stop the water with a pipe plug Soldering a joint in pipes that contain even tiny amounts of water is nearly impossible. Most of the heat from the torch goes into turning the water to steam, so the copper won't get hot enough to melt the solder. Stop the trickle of water with a pipe plug.Nov 25, 2019
Why is soldering called sweating?
The walls of copper pipe, however, are too thin and soft to be threaded, so a different sort of fitting is used, called a sweat fitting. It's called that because the process of joining the various elements using solder involves heating them with a propane torch until they seem to sweat.Feb 7, 2018
How do you solder copper pipe with sweat?
3:395:05How to Solder Copper Pipe The CORRECT Way | GOT2LEARNYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo keep on heating it up while testing your solder. Every now and then to see if it gets sucked inMoreSo keep on heating it up while testing your solder. Every now and then to see if it gets sucked in eventually. Your joint will be hot enough to accept your solder.
Why are copper fittings cleaned before soldering or brazing?
It cleans the metal making the solder stick to the fittings and pipe better it cleas oxides and oils. What is the purpose of flux? The longer that copper is kept at the higher brazing temperature, the greater the formation of copper oxide, and nearby valves may be overheated.
How to test if pipe is ready for soldering?
You do not want to overheat your pipe and you should avoid applying your torch directly to your flux or solder as well. You can test to see if your pipe is ready for the solder by holding the solder to the pipe.
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 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.
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. ...
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How many references are there in wikiHow?
To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Is flux safe to use on water pipes?
Protect yourself with gloves. Although flux for potable fixtures is specifically intended to be non-toxic to your drinking water, flux that has yet to be heat treated can be harmful if it gets in your eyes or any open cuts. You should wear gloves when applying flux to your pipe.
Why won't my solder work?
Since you have leaking joints, heating them up and adding more solder will not work because the new solder won’t get sucked into the joint due to a lack of flux. Sorry to say, each bad joint will have to be removed. I would use a MAPP gas torch, as it burns hotter than propane, which will get the job done quicker.
How much solder should I use for a pipe joint?
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.
Should you apply flux to joints?
You should not be applying flux to joints you are not working on, take each joint one at a time. If the joints are all close to each other, try doing the joints out of order. Solder one joint, then move to a joint further away, then back to a joint near the first, etc.
Do you need a gas torch for copper pipe?
Don't need a MAP gas torch. Propane is plenty hot for normal sized copper piping (up to 3" or so). Wiping a rag on the fitting isn't needed, all that does is smear the solder that's hanging on the outside of the fitting around. Looks better, but it doesn't do anything else. Don't use too much flux.
What is rosebud flame?
A rosebud flame, however, wraps around the pipe, bringing the whole pipe up to sweating temperature at once. This allows for cleaner, more even sweating. Using the rosebud flame, begin heating the connecting pipes at the joint seam. Photo: istockphoto.com.
What happens if you heat up solder?
If the pipe is hot enough, the solder will melt—this is called “flowing the solder.”. If the pipe isn’t hot enough, the solder won’t melt or flow, so keep it up with the torch until the solder melts upon touching the joint.
How to protect propane torch from scorching?
Hang flame protector cloth over any surface capable of scorching within 8 inches of the work area where you’ll be using the propane torch. Put on a pair of goggles for eye protection. Fire up the propane torch and hold it about 2 inches from the fitting.
How to protect pipes from molten metal?
Be sure to dress for the job in a heavy, long-sleeved shirt and wear insulated gloves to protect against potential drips of molten metal. Also keep in mind that if your pipes aren’t already cut to length, you’ll need to do that prior to sweating.
Can you touch copper pipe after cleaning?
Cleaned copper will shine like a brand new penny. After cleaning, it’s critical to avoid touching the copper pipe with your bare hands, lest natural oils and dirt on your skin interfere with the sweating process. Photo: istockphoto.com.
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.
Why do you turn on the faucets after shutting off the water?
This is essential because if you do not drain the water, you will have a ton of water all over your work station. It’s a good idea to turn on several faucets throughout your home after shutting the water off. This will help drain your pipes even quicker so that you can get your job started.
How to replace elbow with tee?
This moisture will actually escape as steam. Since the moisture turns into steam, you will be able to heat the joint enough to melt the solder. Once the pipe has cooled, then screw in a threaded plug .
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, ...
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.
