Table of Contents
Is soldering copper pipe hard?
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.
What is the best solder to use on copper pipes?
What Type of Solder is Used for Copper Pipe? Lead free solder is best for copper pipes carrying drinking water. It will be free of elements you don’t want entering your drinking water. However it will require a higher melting point than a 50/50 solder.
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.
Why does my solder not stick to copper pipe?
If the solder is beading up or running down the pipe, you have a dirty fitting. Just as Vic says use clean fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth. Clean both surfaces, spread flux as soon as you clean them. Also clean and flux joint after you fit them together.
Do you need flux to solder copper pipe?
Strong metals such as brass and copper will require a synthetic acid flux in order to be soldered. This will remove not only oxidation but also corrosion and other residues that build up on these metals.
Can you use too much flux when soldering?
Although there is a sufficient amount of flux present in the core of the solder wire to get your job done, the technicians (to make their job easy) tend to use additional flux in form of paste or liquid during the rework on the PCB. There is no problem with the use of flux during soldering.
Can you solder pipes with water in them?
Don’t try to solder pipes with water in them. 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.
Which flux is used for copper soldering?
No. 135 Superior Flux Number No. 135 Description Rosin Paste Flux – OK for Electronics Rec. Base Metals Copper Rec. Solders Tin-Based; Lead-Free or Lead-Bearing Rec. Temp Ranges 95-315°C / 200-600°F.
Do shark bites ever leak?
SharkBite fittings can leak due to one of these reasons: The pipe was not properly deburred prior to installation. The pipe was not squarely cut. The pipe has scratches or debris on the outside that is preventing the O-ring from getting a watertight seal.
Are Sharkbites reliable?
Fact: Contractors who use SharkBite find it to be a dependable and safe solution in concealed spaces, including behind the wall and underground. For example, Clint McCannon, owner of Cannon Plumbing, used SharkBite PEX and EvoPEX to repipe an entire home, with no concern about failed fittings or leaks.
Which is better solder or compression fitting?
Compression fittings are not nearly as robust as soldered fittings making them much more sensitive to powerful stresses. They are not ideal for applications where they could be potentially exposed to lots of flexing, bending and excessive vibration or tube movement.
How long should I wait to turn water on after soldering?
Step 4: Testing the Solder Joint 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.
Can you use a propane torch to solder copper pipe?
The torch needed for soldering copper can be propane or MAPP gas (methylacetylene-propadiene 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.
Why do we have to clean the copper before we put our flux on?
Brush joints thoroughly before fluxing Oils, oxidation and other impurities on the outside of pipes and inside of fittings prevent solder from sticking. To clean them, you can use just about anything that’s abrasive, including sandpaper and emery cloth.
Can you solder upside down?
Once you do several joints “upside down”, it will be just as easy as doing it “right side up”. Since you are using 1/2″ pipe, it should take about 1/2″ of solder to do the “upside down” side of the fitting.
Can you solder old copper pipe?
After you pull off the old, wipe the to be reused tubing when hot with a cloth of cotton to clear old solder. Then use sand clothe to make it bright. copper works because, when clean[ it does shine just right]. You may have only failed as old lead joints work at heat low and slow.
What do you do when solder won’t stick?
A classic reason solder won’t stick to something is because you’re not getting it hot enough. My interns come to me with this problem all the time. Make sure the tip of the iron is nice and shiny. Touch some solder on it, and it should melt almost instantly.
What kind of solder do you use for plumbing?
Acid core solders are most often used in plumbing applications to join metal pipes or sheet metal. Rosin core solder is also fabricated with a hollow core inside the solder wire, but the flux used is a milder variety made of rosin, which is a solid form of resin derived from conifers such as pine.
Can you use electrical solder for copper pipe?
Electrical solder is often a softer alloy, so it won’t withstand pressure as well. Definitely flux the pipe fittings as you normally would. You won’t get good coverage with the flux in the solder.
