How to Repair Copper Pipe Fittings
Copper fittings are made for bends and turns in the pipe or to join or branch copper pipes. If the copper fitting becomes damaged, either through rust or leaks, the only repair possible is to replace the damaged section. Replacing the pipes involves removing the old pipes and fitting new pipes into place with solder. Copper pipes are ideal for plumbing because of their ability to conduct heat, which facilitates soldering repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soldering torch
- Pliers
- Pipes
- Fittings
- Tape measure
- Tubing cutter
- Emery cloth
- Wire brush
- Flux
- Flux brush
- Solder
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Instructions
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Remove the old, damaged pipes by heating the joint up with a torch. Grab each pipe with two pliers and twist and pull the pipes apart.
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Cut new pipes for the fitting. Measure and mark the section needed on a copper pipe. If the fitting needs replacing, skip this step. Cut new sections of a pipe by aligning a tubing cutter around the pipe and spinning the cutter around the pipe a couple of times. Tighten the clamp of the cutter after each rotation.
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3
Clean the pipes by rubbing the ends with an emery cloth until the ends are shiny. Then use a wire brush to clean the inside of the pipes. This will remove grease, residual oxidation, and flux.
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4
Apply new flux onto the ends of the pipes by brushing on a thin coat.
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Heat the joints with a torch for about 8 to 10 seconds.
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Apply solder onto the heated joints. The heat should pull the solder in and melt it into place. Wrap the solder around the joint.
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Clean the soldered joints with a brush once the joint has cooled.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove any flammable objects while soldering the pipes. Wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves when handling a soldering torch.
References
- Photo Credit the welder image by Louise McGilviray from Fotolia.com
