
What does it mean when a pipe is sweating?
Sweating pipe is another 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. This is a basic plumbing process frequently used in improvement projects.
What does it mean to sweat a pipe?
Dec 04, 2021 · Sweating a pipe, also called soldering, is the process of heating solder (a metal alloy) to fuse a copper pipe with a fitting. In plumbing, the purpose of sweating pipes is to create a permanent, watertight seal where the pipe connects to (or joins with) another piece of metal. The joint (or connection) is heated with either propane or MAPP gas.
Is it normal for pipes to sweat?
Jun 27, 2020 · Sweating pipe is another 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. Click to see full answer. Accordingly, what is sweat connection? Sweat fittings have a nonthreaded joint with a diameter slightly larger than the pipe.
How to stop sweating pipes in the basement?
Sweating pipe is another 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 pipe?
2:273:43How to Sweat Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFire up the torch. And apply some heat heat one side of the fitting and pipe. Then let the flux meltMoreFire up the torch. And apply some heat heat one side of the fitting and pipe. Then let the flux melt. And do its thing. As soon as the sizzling stops apply solder to the opposite.
How do you tell if pipes are sweating?
Take a Simple Test Grab a relative humidity tester from the local building center and run a few tests. If the humidity levels in the room are off the charts, chances are the water you see is simply sweating pipes.Nov 1, 2010
What is the difference between sweat and solder?
“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 a leak cause condensation?
If you can't identify any exterior damage to your roof or track down a leak, the source of your water damage is likely water condensation.Dec 14, 2017
Are sweating pipes normal?
Although the process is completely normal, it can lead to increased moisture in your home. Depending on the location of the pipes, and the extent of the sweating, it can also damage your drywall, baseboards and flooring. Fortunately, certain steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate sweating water pipes.
Is sweating copper the same as brazing?
As such, the filler metals for soldering and brazing copper and copper alloy tube and fittings must have melting temperatures below this temperature. The basic difference between soldering and brazing is the temperature necessary to melt the filler metal.
What can I use to sweat copper pipes?
The torch needed for soldering copper can be propane or MAPP gas (methylacetylene-propadiene propane). MAPP gas comes in a yellow tank and propane comes in a blue tank. MAPP gas, usually a bit more expensive, gets much hotter than propane, so heats the pipe faster.Jan 29, 2022
Can copper pipes sweat?
Metal cold water pipes, including copper and galvanized steel, account for the most significant condensation issues, while plastic piping sweats less. Pipe condensation occurs when airborne moisture comes into contact with a cool surface, such as a cold water pipe.Jul 10, 2015
How to Sweat Copper Pipes at the Joint
IMPORTANT: Before you begin sweating your pipe joint, make sure you follow safety protocols. Using a propane or MAPP torch is dangerous if mishandled. Wear heavy work gloves and a pair of safety glasses.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve followed these instructions, congratulations! You’re now capable of sweating copper pipes.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help sweating pipes or replacing them.
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.
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 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 many people edit wikihow?
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 105,257 times.
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.
