Table of Contents
What can I use to sweat copper pipes?
You can find all the basic soldering copper pipe equipment at full-service hardware stores or home centers—a propane torch, solder, emery cloth (Photo 3) and flux. We also recommend a tube cutter, flame protector cloth (see opening photo) and heavy gloves and eye protection.
Can you sweat a copper pipe with water in it?
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.
Can you sweat copper without flux?
You “can” solder copper without flux, without scraping (sanding or filing) clean the two surfaces, and without ensuring there is a close even fit between the two surfaces for the molten solder to wick into and provide a quality joint.
Can you sweat threaded copper?
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. There’s no particular magic required to solder a sweat fitting, though the very presence of a propane torch makes it a procedure that must be done carefully.
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.
What is sweat adapter?
Sweat a male adapter into a copper fitting. Certified for use in potable water and hydronic heating systems. Connects to PEX pipe with copper crimp rings or stainless steel clamps.
When did they stop using copper pipes in houses?
Copper was the plumbing pipe of choice from the 1950s until 2000 and was widely used both in new construction and to replace the galvanized steel water supply pipes that had been the standard into the 1950s. But copper’s use has gradually faded, due to the introduction of PEX plumbing tubing.
Can I reuse copper fittings?
Copper pipes and fittings are used in many plumbing systems. Copper pipes are usually connected together using a variety of fittings, including elbows, T’s and couplings. You can remove copper fittings and reuse them by following a straightforward procedure that requires a moderate amount of time and effort.
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.
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 is the solder not sticking to copper pipe?
the solder is hot enough, but the copper is not hot enough. Heat the copper more before applying the solder. The join is not clean enough. If you’re using a good flux, then the copper isn’t clean enough.
Why do plumbers use bread?
“Use the bread to stop the leaks,” says Larry. According to Larry, the plumber, when you need to solder a copper pipe that has a leak, first stuff it with a tightly rolled pie of fresh white bread! Fresh bread is the key, he insists. The bread will stop the leak long enough to get the soldering done.
Can you use Vaseline as flux?
Can You Use Vaseline as Flux? Yes, Vaseline works just as well as commercial flux, and you can even buy a generic brand. Petroleum jelly is primarily made from waxes and mineral oils so that it won’t corrode your components. Plus, it cleans away the gunk and eliminates metal oxides that could compromise your bond.
Does flux damage copper pipe?
As a plumber that takes pride in doing the job properly, you do come across work done by other plumbers that you thoroughly disapprove of. These days we see more and more plastic fit joints but few homes operate without any good old soldered copper piping. Dec 10, 2019.
Is soldering paste the same as flux?
Solder paste contains solder particles and flux. It helps ‘tin’ a surface with a coating of solder, resistant to oxidation. Solder Flux is just ‘flux’, a chemical to clean the surface, ready to accept solder. Solder has to be added in order to make the joint or tin the surface.
Is PEX better than copper?
We generally belive that Plumbing PEX Tubing is much better than Copper for most, if not all, plumbing systems. PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install. PEX Tubing is quickly becoming the industry standard.
Can you crimp copper pipe?
Copper press fitting is a flameless alternative to soldering copper pipe connections. Press fitting is also known as press-connect joining, crimping and the branded terms Viega ProPress and NIBCO® Press System®.
Can you connect PEX to copper without soldering?
Connect New PEX to Existing Copper Pipe No matter which fitting you choose, there are only two basic methods for connecting PEX to copper pipe. Traditional copper connections require soldering or “sweating,” while newer, more innovative options like SharkBite fittings connect to copper without any special tools.
How do you sweat brass fittings?
Unroll a coil of lead-free solder and touch the tip to the joint as soon as you remove the heat. Move the solder completely around the pipe as it melts and seeps into the joint. Work quickly. The metal stays hot enough to melt solder only for a few seconds.
