Sweating copper.

[Chris]

What tips or tricks can you give for the average guy about sweating copper. I have noticed that most will not attempt to do a job because of this.

[Nailer341]

Piece of cake. I'm more afraid of digging the ditch than sweating copper

Clean the pipe and fittings thoroughly with emery cloth on the pipe, brush the fitting, slather some flux on the inside of the female and outside of the male, connect, heat, apply solder.

In 99% of residential pipe sizes, heat only needs to be applied to one side of the pipe. Heat rises, so point the torch at the bottom side of the connection.

Apply the solder to the opposite side of the heated side. the solder will "pull" its way around and seal the fitting.

Wipe excess flux and move to the next one.

Mapp gas is preferred.

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5495871/IMGA0652-main_Full.jpg

[Chris]

Have you used silver soldier before?

[Nailer341]

Not for residential plumbing.
Some brazing for under ground plumbing and med gas lines.

[majakdragon]

The solder will flow to the heat. After cleaning and adding flux to the joints, I heat the fitting where I want the solder to go to. Wiping the joint immediately after adding the solder serves tthree purposes. It will fill in any pinholes in the solder at the fitting cup, it will remove the excess flux and prevent green colored joints later and it makes the joint look professional.

[SJNServices]

Dont forget to use lead free solder and flush all the pipes out before anyone gets a drink. Also, If you do get a leak you will need to get all the water out of that pipe to re-solder it.

[Highpower]

Originally Posted by majakdragon

The solder will flow to the heat. After cleaning and adding flux to the joints, I heat the fitting where I want the solder to go to. Wiping the joint immediately after adding the solder serves tthree purposes.

So do you wipe before the solder solidifies or after? I am always afraid of getting a "cold joint" and leakage if I wipe it too soon.

[Nailer341]

The point is to remove the flux. I'd say any time before the wall is closed up

[majakdragon]

The rag or gloved finger I use to wipe the joint is going towards the joint as I remove the heat. I wipe while the solder is still a liquid.

[Highpower]

OH! So are you using a dry rag/glove then? I have always heard / read to use a wet rag. Is that wrong?