Help4diy.com®>Soldering copper pipes -Introduction

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Soldering copper pipes

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Soldering copper pipes is a basic plumbing skill that once mastered will enable you to tackle many home repair and home improvement projects - for instance, replacing copper water lines or installing a new spigot. It can be as much an art as it is a science, thus the more you get the "feel for it", the faster and easier it gets.

Soldering copper pipe, or "sweating" as they call it in the trades, relies on capillary action to create a well-sealed joint. By using a propane torch to heat up the two pieces you are joining, solder is "sucked" into the joint and spreads evenly between the pipe and fitting. Once it cools, you should have a solid, leak-free joint that will last for years.

Use care when working with a torch. Keep the flame away from wood framing or other flammable materials. Also remember to let your work cool before handling it.

Before your start... SAFETY FIRST
Take care when working with a blowtorch in loft spaces.
Be aware that pipes take time to cool after exposure to the blowtorch flame.

Helpful TIP:-
Caution:-Always use lead-free solder and rosin flux for plumbing projects.

Caution:-Always use caution when using a torch near wood. Cover the wood with a piece of sheet metal to prevent direct exposure to the torch flame.

common MISTAKE:-Don't be in a hurry. If you don't properly prepare the pipes for soldering you may end up with leaks. Then you will need to completely drain the water out of the pipes you are working on. It is impossible to solder pipes with water in them.

Caution:-Before you solder the pipes together, assemble all the pieces to make sure your have a proper fit and no unforeseen problems.

Caution:-Pipes cannot be soldered if water is in them. Water prevents the pipes from reaching a hot enough temperature to melt solder. Use a piece of bread (without its crust) and shove it in the pipe to hold back a gradual flow of water. The bread will dissolve when the water is turned back on.