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How to solder copper pipesSuccessful solder joints are easy do-it-yourself project.Information applies to copper water pipe, and not refrigeration pipes that require hotter torch and different solder. |
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  Gas water heater thermostats If tank is overheating or not heating correctly, replace thermostat Symptoms: Cold water, uneven temperatures, TP releasing water Buy: Gas water heater thermostats at Amazon Resources: How to replace gas water heater thermostat Add another thermostat to water heater Troubleshoot gas water heater |
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This
page contains caution signs to help prevent possible problems. Remove flammables from work area Remember your water is turned OFF Soldering torch can cause fire. Run water hose from neighbor's house and get ready. Get buckets of water ready. Fill bathtub. BE SAFE. Have class ABC fire extinguisher handy Buy: Gas safety cans at Amazon Fire extinguishers |
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 Use lead-free silver bearing solder |
Gather
materials: Elbows, couplings, male and/or female adapters Sandpaper. Tube cutter. Photo shows mini-cutter for tight locations. You can cut copper pipe with hack saw, or jig saw, but the pipe can bend and cut is jagged. Tube cutter makes smooth cut. Use mini cutter for tight locations. Buy: Tubing cutters at Amazon Plumbing solder kit Plumber's solder 'Under-counter' water heaters generally have 1/2" connections. Some have 1/4" compression fittings, and do not need solder. 'Whole-house' water heaters have 3/4" connections. It is usually easier to connect water heater using flexible copper lines, but flexible connections depend on rubber washer. Make sure water pressure does not exceed 80 psi, or damage can occur to plumbing and water heater. Resource Low Water pressure |
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 Soldering
paste/ or fluxSoldering paste is applied to pipes and fittings. Use stiff-bristled paste brush sold for paste. Do not use grease. Soldering paste looks and feels like grease but is not grease. Use lead-free solder pasteBuy: Soldering paste at Amazon |
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Use
Lead Free solder Read label on side of solder: label must say product can be used for household water pipes. Do NOT use leaded solder for drinking water pipes. Buy: Lead free solder at Amazon Solder paste brush |
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Buy
propane tank and torch tip Example shows propane tank with self-lighting tip Squeeze trigger and propane ignites, squeeze trigger again and torch turns off. Buy: Trigger start torches at Amazon Propane fuel cylinder at Amazon Striker at Amazon Remove torch tip from tank when finished to
prevent leaking. Store propane outdoors when possible. |
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Sand
ends of pipe Use sandpaper to sand end of pipes and inside fittings Then wipe with dry rag to remove grit |
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Ream
the inside of tube until smooth. Rough interor edges of tube can cause copper pipe errosion |
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Sand
inside fittings Use finger to rotate sandpaper inside each fitting Then wipe with dry rag to remove grit |
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Sand solder to remove oxidation and dirt. If solder has been in toolbox for a while, it will get dirty and also turn dark color. |
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 Apply
soldering paste or fluxApply soldering paste completely around end of pipe using paste brush. Put paste wherever solder is going to stick. Solder will stick to pipe where solder paste is applied. Keep paste away from end of pipe so solder will not get into pipe Solder paste brush at Amazon Do not flip paste into eyes. Wear goggles, or move
brush in direction away from eyes
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Apply
soldering paste inside fittings Apply soldering paste completely around inside of fitting, but only where pipe is seated. Solder will stick where paste is applied. |
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 Use
metal shieldExample shows pipes being soldered on workbench. Use piece of galvanized to protect other surfaces from catching fire. Plan ahead. Use metal shield to prevent fires. When
working indoors, be
sure to have water available in case fire starts. If water is turned
off, then fill bucket with water, and keep cup and bucket nearby.
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 Risk of fire/ Use metal shield, keep water ready |
Precautions/
plan ahead, use common senseDo NOT solder pipes in attic or walls next to
flammable insulation or
paper or wood. Let professional, insured plumber handle job. Do NOT solder in same room where paint or gasoline
is stored. Remove all flammable products, and air out
room before lighting torch. Turn off gas line when working on water
heater. Some
flammable vapors such as gasoline and LP gas are heavier than air and
hug the floor. Use nose to check for flammable vapors. Copper pipe is NOT used for gas line. For LP and NG
gas: Use approved yellow flex line or
black pipe. Natural gas and LP gas are reactive with copper pipe, and
reactive to galvanized pipe.. |
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Light torch
using striker or match Flow of gas will blow out match Striker is easiest way to light torch. Buy Striker at Amazon To light torch with match: Turn gas ON at low flow. Then raise match part-way into gas from below. When gas ignites, blow out match, and turn gas flow up. To turn torch OFF, rotate knob until flame disappears. Remove torch tip from gas tank when finished to prevent leaks. Store propane tanks outside away from people. |
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 Solder hasn't melted yet |
Heat
copper fitting with torch Fit connection together, then apply heat to copper fitting Do not heat solder. Once pipe is hot, then Position solder as shown at joint between pipe and fitting When pipe and fitting are hot enough, then solder will suddenly melt and flow wherever you put flux. Solder will suddenly melt and flow where you put solder paste There is no need to heat and solder 'other side of joint' because solder will flow completely around the joint and stick to surfaces where you put solder paste. This is why solder paste is important. Remember solder paste must be put all around the copper pipe, and around inside of copper fitting where pipe will seat. |
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Solder
will flow around entire joint When the solder melts, it will flow immediately into the joint around entire pipe. Move solder briefly down each side to ensure solder flows all directions. Not much solder is needed. Wipe away excess solder with wet rag if possible, but this action is mostly for appearance. Move solder away after flow is observed. Let torch remain on joint for a moment to ensure full heating. Move torch to second joint. Entire length of pipe will be very hot.Solder will harden quickly after torch is removed. |
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Solder will flow around pipe and bond to copper where
solder paste was
applied. Joint is finished = move torch to second joint |
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Bad
solder joint Bad solder joint: does not have uniform solder, and crack shows between pipe and fitting. Even small crack indicates bad solder joint. Bad joints must be replaced and cannot be re-soldered Pipe and fitting must be dry. |
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 Good
and Bad solder jointsBad joints must be replaced and cannot be re-soldered Inspect each joint. Bad joints must be replaced and cannot be re-soldered Make sure solder is uniform around entire pipe. Make sure there are no cracks or gaps between pipe and fitting. Causes for bad solder joint. Wrong solder paste. Wrong solder. Read product labels. Buy new solder and paste. No solder paste was used. Solder paste applied incorrectly. Read directions top of page. Copper not fully heated. Hold torchon copper longer before applying solder. Torch was used to heat solder instead of copper. Water between pipe and fitting. Water will not shut off when soldering Stuff white bread into pipe to temperorily halt small drip. Open other faucets to completely drain or divert water. Tip pipe to drain water, then tip pipe upwards to solder. Wipe water off pipe and joint. Make last solder joint on vertical coupling. |
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 1/2" male adapter is soldered to pipe. When cool, connect other fittings or connect shut off valve to adapter. |
Solder
each joint When first and second solder joints are finished, move to next joint. Solder will solidify very fast once torch is moved away. When soldering male and female adaptors, it is best to disconnect the adapter from appliance or shut off valve before soldering the fitting. This will prevent heat damage. For example with water heater, always solder adapters onto minimum 12" of pipe, then screw adapter to water heater. This will prevent heat damage to water heater caused by torch. |
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 Let pipe cool before connecting shut-off valve. |
Finish
soldering, let pipe cool, then connect shut off When copper is cool, connect other fittings like shut-off. This will prevent damage to shut off valve. For example, heat from torch might melt rubber washer inside shut-off Do not solder copper fittings that are directly connected to valves, water heaters, faucets etc. Heat from torch will damage appliances, and valves etc |
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