Table of Contents
Can I solder 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 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.
How hard is it to sweat copper pipe?
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.
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.
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 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.
What can I use if I don’t have flux?
If it is for lead-tin electronic soldering, the rosin flux inside the solder is mostly colophony (pine rosin). The same stuff used on violin bows, and that pitchers have it powdered in a bag. Mix it with 99% isopropyl alcohol to make a liquid.
Can you solder copper pipe with a soldering iron?
Sure — if the iron is large enough to heat the piece of copper to the proper temperature (copper is an excellent conductor of heat, so it may take a larger heat source than a soldering iron), and you have good solder with the proper flux, and some skill.
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 solder copper pipe with a butane torch?
A butane torch creates a flame that can reach a maximum temperature of about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. These high temperatures—coupled with butane’s long flames, which can reach up to 6 inches long—make these torches capable of melting and soldering metals like copper and silver.
How do you prepare copper for soldering?
How to Solder a Hole in Copper Pipe Follow the steps above to clean and prep your pipe. Apply flux around the hole. Heat the pipe and melt the solder. Clean off any drips. Let the patched pinhole cool before you turn on the water again. Replace the entire section of pipe as soon as possible.
Why are my cold water pipes sweating?
Pipe sweating occurs because cold air holds less water vapor than warm air. When a cold pipe touches the hot, moist air around it, the temperature around the pipe drops and the air reaches its dew point. This causes the water vapor in the air to become a liquid and collect on the side of the pipe.
What flux is used for soldering copper?
We recommend tinning flux. It contains a bit of powdered metal alloy that is similar to solder. The alloy melts and coats the inside of the joint and helps ensure a solder joint that’s completely filled and leakproof.
Can you use a propane torch to solder copper pipe?
Torch. 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.
How long should I wait to turn water on after soldering?
30 seconds should be long enough. Once the solder has solidified, you are good to go. The water will only make it solidify faster by cooling, but if it is still molten, the water pressure will separate and/or pollute the joint.
What temperature do you need to solder copper pipes?
In actual practice for copper systems, most soldering is done at temperatures from about 350°F to 600°F, while most brazing is done at temperatures ranging from 1100°F to 1500°F.
