In this do it yourself renovation post, we will cover how to sweat solder a brass/copper fitting onto a peice of copper pipe.
The tools you will need are as follows:
- Propane Torch with Torch Tip
- Roll of Solder (Lead Free)
- Sand Cloth (sand paper or steel wool)
- Soldering Acid Flux
- Fitting brush (Optional)
- Pipe/Tubing Cutters
- Safety Glasses
- Work gloves
- Damp Rag
To begin this process, you will need to find out the length of pipe needed. Use the pipe cutters and set the cutting wheel on the mark and tighten down wheel on the pipe. Slowly turn the pipe cutters around the pipe, while tightening the cutting wheel onto the pipe until it cuts all the way through.
Once the pipe is cut to length, you will start to clean the pipe with Sand Cloth, until the copper pipe is clean and has a shine. Note: there are many different products on the market that you can use for this tasking; such as Sand Cloth, Sand paper and Steel Wool.
In order for the solder to flow between the fitting and copper pipe, you need to apply Soldering Flux to the pipe and fitting. Once done, you can now slip the fitting over the copper pipe, pushing it all the way on. This is shown in the below illustrations.
After the fitting is placed on the copper tube/pipe, you are all set to go ahead and solder the fitting onto the pipe. Doing this requires intense heat, which is supplied by the torch and tip. When you have the torch started up, place the blue portion of the flame on the socket part of the fitting. The socket portion of the fitting is the area where the pipe sits inside the fitting. The reason you want the heat at this point, is because when the solder starts to flow, it will be drawn to the heat. Try heating the bottom of the fitting and applying the solder to the top of the fitting. If you are soldering larger pipe (over 3/4″), you will be required to move the flame and solder around the fitting, because the heat won’t travel all around as well.
After the solder is applied, inspect the area around where the pipe and fitting join to see if the solder worked its way all around the fitting. If not, it needs to be reheated; applying more flux, heat and solder to that area. Once done, wipe the joined area with a damp rag to cool the fitting down and clean the Acid Flux off the fitting and pipe. Â It should look like the pic below. Stay tuned for future plumbing renovation posts. Happy Renovations!
If you are interested in learning more about the details of plumbing, I recommend visiting: http://plumbinghelp.ca/
