5 Steps to a perfect solder joint
While working for a new construction plumbing company in 2006, out of ten employees there were only three of us that knew how to solder copper tubing.
The other plumbers never soldered before because they were trained in using plastic tubing; here’s an example: Pvc, Cpvc and pex tubing’s.
Did this make them bad plumbers?
Not by a long shot.They were really good at there job.
As a mater of fact, they showed me how to install pex tubing with out kinking the pipe. In return I showed them how to solder copper pipe.
The result, one of them has used what I taught ‘em, while another forgot a few important steps an caused a leak. In order to avoid any leaks that could cause some damage to your home, here is 5 steps to a perfect solder joint.
With copper it is important not to miss a step or there could be disastrous results. Remember these steps and you will be on your way to a perfect solder joint every time.
Step #:
- Cut the pipe to size
- Clean the pipe
- Clean the inside of the fittings you will be using
- flux the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting
- Time 2 solder
Cut the pipe to size: measure the leangth pipe that you will need to join your piping system together. Using a tubing cutter cut your pipe to size (remember to measure twice and cut once).
Clean the pipe: With some sand cloth or paper, sand each end of the pipe until shiny. Make sure all of the manufactures oils are off of the pipe. Wipe with a cloth to remove any sand or copper residue.
Using your pipe reamer on the tubing cutter, ream the inside edges of the copper tubing removing any burs. you want a smooth edge.
Clean your fittings using a tubing brush properly sized for your pipe. To speed the process along I cut the cleaning brush at the top of the handle and insert inside of my drill.
Turn your drill speed on high and clean the inside hub of the fitting. If you see any dark spots inside of the fitting keep cleaning the area until it has been removed.
The dark spot is oil left over from the cutting and forming process at the manufacture. If this oil is left on you will burn your fitting and it will not take the solder.
Flux the pipe and fittings: Using your flux past brush each end of the pipe and fittings. This will ensure a clean and tinned joint.
Time to solder: Whatever size your pipe, that is how much solder you will need to use to sweat your joints together. So, if you are soldering 1″ one inch copper pipe you will need one inch of solder to sweat your joints together.
Using a torch heat your pipe and fitting evenly. Start two inches behind the fitting and slowly heat your pipe and fitting by using a back and forth sweeping motion. Make sure your flame is close enough to cover the entire diameter of the pipe.
When your flame turns green apply the solder to the hub of the fitting, making sure that the solder flows all the way around the hub.
Wait! There is one more step “the Secret” step to a perfect solder joint that means the difference between an amaturish ”glob mess” or a professional looking solder joint every time: The secret 6th step improve your solder finish http://bch.uiwt.net/the-secret-6th-step-improve-solder-finish
