Regardless of the method, the cut must be square to the run of the tube so that the tube will seat properly in the fitting cap. Ream all cut tube ends to the full inside diameter of the tube to remove the small burr created by cutting.
It is very important to do this. If this rough, inside edge is not removed by reaming, erosion-corrosion may occur due to local turbulence and increased local flow velocity in the tube. A properly reamed piece of tube provides a smooth surface for better flow. Remove any burrs on the outside of the tube ends, created by the cutting, to ensure proper entrance of the tube into the fitting cap.
Tools that can be used to ream the tube ends include the reaming blade on the tube cutter, half-round or round files, a pockets knife, or a suitable deburring tool. With soft tube, you must be very careful to not deform the tube end by applying too much pressure. The removal of all oxides and surface oil from the tube ends and fitting cups is crucial to proper flow of solder metal into the joint. Failure to remove them can interfere with capillary action and may lessen the strength of the joint and cause failure.
Lightly clean the tube ends using sand cloth or nylon abrasive pads for a distance slightly more than the depth of the fitting cups. The capillary space between tube and fitting is approximately 0. Solder metal fills this gap by capillary action. This spacing is critical for the solder metal to flow into the gap and form a strong joint.
Copper is a relatively soft metal. If too much material is removed from the tube end or fitting cup, a loose fit may result in a poor joint. Use a flux that will dissolve and remove traces of oxide from the cleaned surfaces from reoxidation during heating, and promote wetting of the surfaces by the solder metal. Chemicals in the flux can be harmful if they come into contact with the eyes, mouth or open cuts.
Use care in applying flux. Careless workmanship can cause problems long after the system has been installed. If excessive amounts of flux are used, the flux residue can cause corrosion. In extreme cases, such flux corrosion could perforate the wall of the tube, fitting or both. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1. Use a rosin core solder for copper pipe; that serves as the tinning flux.
Do not use acid core though. It will eat your copper. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Most Solder melts at degrees Fahrenheit. To obtain this temperature, the cone in the center of a cheap propane torch needs to be 1.
This way the pipe will heat up in about 30 seconds and with flux, you will find soldering copper pipe an easy task. If you use a small flame, it will be a difficult task. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. After you have filled the joint with solder, and as the pipe cools, continue to push the solder into the joint.
This way the joint will be completely full of solder and you wont have any leaks. Most problems are encountered by not thoroughly cleaning both the surface of the tubing and the inside of the fitting, and promptly covering both with flux after cleaning. The system must not have positive pressure within it while soldering, especially on the final joint. A leak will be created by bubbles through the joint created by expanding gases within the heated tubing.
Vent the system before soldering. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Be very careful of the hot solder dripping. It will blind you if it is flung into your eye. Wear safety glasses, protective gloves, and heavy clothing. Helpful 11 Not Helpful 4.
Fire is an ever-present danger when using torches in confined areas. A fire extinguisher should be immediately available before lighting the torch. City ordinances usually require you to have a bucket of water beside you if you are soldering or welding.
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. Related wikiHows How to. How to. Co-authors: Updated: May 6, Categories: Soldering and Brazing Piping Copper. Article Summary X To solder copper tubing, you'll need lead-free solid core solder, some solder flux, and a propane or acetylene air torch.
Italiano: Saldare Tubi in Rame. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. I went back in to battle my shower once again and I realized my tubing was still dirty and had moisture inside. Once I cleaned and dried them, it worked. More reader stories Hide reader stories.
Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. About This Article Co-authors: Bryan Estabrook Mar 1, David Munro Jun 28, I made a new one out of copper, bent to shape and soldered joint by following instructions. Rated this article:. Mahdi Hashemi Apr 10, This article helped me find out what to do.
Thanks, all. Kenneth Smith Oct 9, I was just needing a refresher and it more than satisfied my needs. Taylor Wood Jun 18, Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Generally an inch of melted solder wire should be enough to create a water tight seal on 15mm pipe. Extinguish your torch and put in a safe place as the nozzle will be hot.
Inspect the joint with your mirror. You should be able to see a thin solder all round the fitting. If you are happy use your wet rag to clean the joint of flux — old flux on a pipe turns green.
Wait until your fitting has cooled and test for water tightness. Logo Home. Shower Pumps. Heating Systems. General Plumbing. Hot Water Tanks.
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