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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. |
 Electric water heater thermostats Thermostats stick, melt and come out of calibration... replace thermostat Symptoms: Cold water, uneven temperatures, reset tripping, TP releasing water Buy: Water heater thermostats at Amazon Resources: How to replace electric water heater thermostat Add another thermostat to water heater How to wire thermostats Marathon water heater thermostats Two water heaters Troubleshoot electric water heater |
  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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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 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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 Risk of fire/ Use metal shield, keep water ready |
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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 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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 1/2" male adapter is soldered to pipe. When cool, connect other fittings or connect shut off valve to adapter. |
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Resource: Compare box timers DPDT timers Intermatic Control water heater w/ Z-wave |
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Resource: Intermatic control centers: and parts Digital control centers and parts Tork control centers and parts Subpanels All control centers and parts Enclosures |
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Resource: Programmable timers Countdown timers Off delay timers On delay timers Timer modules Din rail Twin & one-shot Woods Intermatic Tork |
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Recirculation systems |
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