Note: Because you are working with a flame, often in
a confined space, be aware of flammable materials near where you are working.
In some cases, you may need to set up a non-flammable heat shield between the
solder joint and flammable material nearby. Check with your local authority for
applicable codes about the work you wish to perform and the necessity of
permits before you begin your project.
When copper pipes are fitted together, there is a very small gap
between the two pieces. When the pipes are heated, and solder is touched to the
pipes, the solder melts and is drawn up into the gap through capillary action.
Once the gap is filled, and the heat removed, the solder forms a seal and makes
a watertight joint. Soldering pipes is easy once you get the hang of it. The
key is to recognize that you are heating the pipes, not the solder. The heated
copper melts the solder. Follow the steps in this guide and you should be able
to make watertight joints. It is recommended that you practice a few times on
some spare parts until you feel confident.
Step 1 - Remove all burrs from the inside and outside edges
of the pipe with a de-burring brush. Small burrs can result in
a variety of problems in the lifespan of the water supply system.
 |
| Step 1 |
Step 2 - Clean the
outside of the pipe. If the copper is not clean, the solder may not bond properly Clean
the outside of the copper pipe to a brilliant shine with a copper pipe cleaning
brush, or simply use steel wool or emery cloth. If the copper is not clean, the
solder may not bond properly and the joint may leak.
Step 3 -Clean the inside
of the female fitting
Step 4 -Clean the inside of the female fitting
in the same way as in step
 |
| Step 2 |
Step 6 - Apply acid-free flux to both the
outside of the male fitting and the inside of the female fitting. Flux further cleans the copper plus helps to prevent
oxidation as the pipe heats up. If the pipe becomes oxidized, the joint may
leak.
Step 7 - Join the two
pieces securely together Join the two
pieces securely together. Unroll about four inches of solder and straighten it.
You will use the roll or container as a handle when applying the solder. Light
the torch and apply the flame to the joint. Move the flame around to ensure
that you heat the pipe on the opposite side from you.
 |
| Step 3 Clean the inside of fitting in the same way as in Step 1
|
Step 8 - When the flux
begins to bubble and spit, touch the tip of the solder to the joint Once the joint will
take no more solder it will build up outside of the joint and begin to drip.
Care should be taken at this point. Disrupting a joint as it cools can result
in a dry joint also known as a leak. Once the joint has hardened, it can be
wiped. This is the part where experience/practice helps. Some people use a dry
rag, so the joint can be cleaned, but not cooled to the point, where it creates
a dry/leaky.
 |
| Step 5 |
 |
| Step 4 |
NOTES:
 |
| Step 6 |
NOTES:
1) Always
check for leaks after the pipe has cooled.
2) If
you overheat the copper, it will oxidize and that prevents the solder from
bonding.
3) If
the joint leaks, you must open the joint, remove all the solder and start over
by cleaning the metal and applying flux. It may be easier to start over with
new fittings.
4) Always
use lead-free solder.
5) Make
sure the pipes are completely dry or it will interfere with the bonding of the
solder.
6) If
you cannot completely stop the flow of water from the pipe you are working on,
it may be impossible to heat the pipe hot enough. Take a wad of white bread
(without the crust) and stuff it into the pipe. This will hold the water back
for a minute or two. After that the bread will dissolve harmlessly in the pipe
and is easily flushed out.
7) Specialty
parts may have requirements to disassemble seals or other components. Please
read all instructions from each manufacturer.
8) When
sweating ball valves, it is best to point the flame away from the piece,
sweating the ball valve as quick as possible.
If
you use MAPP gas instead of propane, it burns much hotter and will heat the
copper very quickly compared to propane. If you are used to propane, practice
with MAPP before beginning work.
Please visit www.houseneeds.com for fittings
Please visit www.houseneeds.com for fittings
