How to solder copper pipe

Member

By Marty Alan McGill
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(10 Ratings)

solder copper pipe

Copper pipe, or tubing as it is sometimes called, is an excellant material to contain water, air, or refrigerants. Joining it together with "sweat" joints is the ideal application. This procedure, while not difficult requires some practice to master.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

torch
flux
solder
sandpaper or emory cloth
wire fitting brush

Step 1

The most important step in sweating (soldering) copper pipe is the cleaning of the pipe and fittings. Sand the pipe with emory cloth until it shines, and use a fitting brush to clean the inside of the fittings. You can use the emory cloth if you dont have a brush.
Step 2

Next, brush a light coat of flux on both the fitting and the pipe. This is what causes the solder to flow into the joint, and it will not work without it. Put the joint together and you are ready to sweat.
Step 3

Heat the pipe and fitting with your torch until you notice a green glow in the flame. This should indicate that you are ready to apply the solder. Touch the solder to the joint, and it should flow right into the joint. When it drips out the bottom, stop. Let the joint sit untouched for several seconds to insure that you dont break it loose.
Step 4

You should be able to put the water, air, or whatever on the joint now. If done properly a sweat joint is virtually leak proof and forever. This procedure is one every DIY buff should master, it WILL come in handy someday.

Comments

allenmac said

Flag This Comment

on 12/23/2008 Yea, I always have plugs and/or caps handy whenever I'm plumbing ... which is about every day :)

torque63 said

on 12/23/2008 If you are doing a plumbing project make sure you have all the parts ready, tubing cut to proper length and ready to go. I've capped off copper tubes with a soldered on cap until I could get to the rest of my project done (bathroom remodeling) then finished the rest later.