How to Fix an Outside Plumbing Copper Fixture

Outdoor copper pipes might corrode over time.

Copper fittings are used in a variety of plumbing projects in the home and outdoors. Copper fittings outside the home are more likely to corrode and need replacing than pipes inside the home due to freezing conditions, rain and wind. Replacing a copper fitting outside the home will often require that you remove the fitting from the external pipe by breaking the soldering bond. Soldering a new fitting in place may take some practice, so use a scrap piece of copper to get the hang of the technique.

Things You'll Need

• Propane torch
• Locking pliers
• Emery cloth
• Copper brush
• Flux
• Copper fitting
• Soldering wire

Instructions

1. Remove any hoses or other pieces of meltable material from the copper fitting, such as handles.

2. Light a propane torch using the instructions on the torch.

3. Grasp the end of the fitting with locking pliers. Lock the pliers onto the end to keep the fitting tight in your grip.

4. Heat the joint of the copper fitting using the torch flame until you see the solder begin to melt. Gently rock the fitting back and forth using the pliers to break it free of the solder.

5. Clean the pipe using a copper brush and emery cloth until the pipe is shiny and clean.

6. Brush the pipe with flux.

7. Place the new copper fitting on the pipe. Heat the fitting with the propane torch.

8. Touch the joint between the copper fitting and the pipe with soldering wire on the opposite side from the propane torch flame. Allow the soldering wire to melt until the entire joint is covered.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Replace a Shutoff Valve
• Easy 2 DIY: Soldering Copper Pipes