How to Fit Copper Pipes

The process of plumbing is long but not complicated. Measuring the area and the pipe is the most important part of the process when you fit the copper pipes. A dry fit is also extremely important before you begin the final process of connecting the copper pipes and fittings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copper pipe and fittings
• Steel wool
• Sandpaper
• Flux

1. Shine the sides of the pipe if you haven't done that already. Use steel wool and make sure it shines like new copper. Remove any burrs that might make cause problems. Make certain that the end of the pipe is smooth so it can fit snugly against the inside edge of the fitting.

2. Sand the inside of the fittings to clean residue and build up and to create a good surface so the pipes fit easily together. Test the pipe to see that it snugs up against the internal shoulder of the fitting.

3. Stop yourself if you want to touch the shined area. Any marks or grease from your hands could compromise the fit and soldering of the joint.

4. Flux the area with soldering flux. Use the brush and evenly and thinly coat all the area that you shined, the part that goes inside the fitting. Also flux the inside of the fitting.

5. Connect the pipe to the joint. Give a slight twist to spread the flux evenly throughout the connection. You just fit the copper pipes and are ready for the next step in plumbing - soldering.