Some people think that soldering pipes should only be left to the experts because it is complicated to do. However, just the right tools and a bit of practice can help you execute this home improvement skill. It might come in handy one day. The first step in becoming familiar with the process is to select a few tools that you will need, as well as the supplies. Don't forget to purchase the right pipe that you. Don't be worried about the cost because they are relatively cheap and easy to find. Most plumbing supply stores will have the necessary tools and materials.
. On top of the tools to get, is the torch. A simple propane torch is made up of a nozzle, valve and propane cylinder. This is the least expensive in the category of good torches. If you have a bit more to spend on a worthy investment, buy one that has a built-in lighter. This will make the process more convenient because you no longer need to use a spark striker or match. Try to get a torch that works using a gas called MAPP which is modified propane. This is important for working on large-diameter pipes and heavy fittings like valves since its flames are hotter. The next tool is a tubing cutter. A hacksaw can cut through copper pipes but you'd want a clean square cut for ensuring a good solder. Pipe cleaning tools can help with that as well. This tool is made up of brushes with various sizes and is capable of brushing the inside of a fitting and the surface of a pipe. Using a steel wool or an emery cloth for cleaning won't be as thorough. Lastly, choose a lead-free solder, acid-free tinning flux and a disposable flux brush. It pays to be thorough. Thoroughness and concern for a job well done is when it comes to pipes . plumbing and heating / ventilation that many home and property owners will throw in the towel and call in a trusted & competent professional trades-person . After all with cell phones they can usually be on the spot in less than an hour.
"Sweating a pipe" is the whole idea of soldering since the diameter of the copper pipe on the outside is a bit smaller than the inside of the fitting. All of the space, no matter how tiny, must be filled up with liquid solder. It may seem all complex to a new comer to the do-yourself trades. Perhaps this is true. Or perhaps you just like to learn and try new things. Yet if you think its over head make sure the plumbing or heating trades professional you call make sure they are trusted , reputable and have a good sterling reputation. Referrals by word of mouth from friends and family are often the best way to go.
Soldering can also be referred to as "sweating a pipe". This means that all the tiny spaces in between the fitting and pipe must be filled up with a liquid solder. The three main factors for success are: a clean joint, proper temperature and flux.
Assemble the joint by sliding the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the bottom. To spread the flux, rotate the pipe which is in the fitting. Add support to the pipe so that it doesn't move during the soldering process. Provide heat only to the fitting and not the solder. The metal should have enough heat to melt the solder but not too hot that it already gives off smoke. Set the torch in an angle that keeps the blue flame two inches away from the fitting. The flux will begin to sizzle in only a few seconds. Remove a few inches of solder from the roll and bend an inch at the end into a 45-degree angle.
. On top of the tools to get, is the torch. A simple propane torch is made up of a nozzle, valve and propane cylinder. This is the least expensive in the category of good torches. If you have a bit more to spend on a worthy investment, buy one that has a built-in lighter. This will make the process more convenient because you no longer need to use a spark striker or match. Try to get a torch that works using a gas called MAPP which is modified propane. This is important for working on large-diameter pipes and heavy fittings like valves since its flames are hotter. The next tool is a tubing cutter. A hacksaw can cut through copper pipes but you'd want a clean square cut for ensuring a good solder. Pipe cleaning tools can help with that as well. This tool is made up of brushes with various sizes and is capable of brushing the inside of a fitting and the surface of a pipe. Using a steel wool or an emery cloth for cleaning won't be as thorough. Lastly, choose a lead-free solder, acid-free tinning flux and a disposable flux brush. It pays to be thorough. Thoroughness and concern for a job well done is when it comes to pipes . plumbing and heating / ventilation that many home and property owners will throw in the towel and call in a trusted & competent professional trades-person . After all with cell phones they can usually be on the spot in less than an hour.
"Sweating a pipe" is the whole idea of soldering since the diameter of the copper pipe on the outside is a bit smaller than the inside of the fitting. All of the space, no matter how tiny, must be filled up with liquid solder. It may seem all complex to a new comer to the do-yourself trades. Perhaps this is true. Or perhaps you just like to learn and try new things. Yet if you think its over head make sure the plumbing or heating trades professional you call make sure they are trusted , reputable and have a good sterling reputation. Referrals by word of mouth from friends and family are often the best way to go.
Soldering can also be referred to as "sweating a pipe". This means that all the tiny spaces in between the fitting and pipe must be filled up with a liquid solder. The three main factors for success are: a clean joint, proper temperature and flux.
Assemble the joint by sliding the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the bottom. To spread the flux, rotate the pipe which is in the fitting. Add support to the pipe so that it doesn't move during the soldering process. Provide heat only to the fitting and not the solder. The metal should have enough heat to melt the solder but not too hot that it already gives off smoke. Set the torch in an angle that keeps the blue flame two inches away from the fitting. The flux will begin to sizzle in only a few seconds. Remove a few inches of solder from the roll and bend an inch at the end into a 45-degree angle.
About the Author:
Formerly nearly all solders contained lead, butE.P.A. has stated have increasingly dictated use of lead-free alloys for electronics and plumbing purposes - after all we cannot export our toxins anymore to China.
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