Soldering Copper Pipes – How to Get Rid of Toilet Water Hammering Part 5
This is it! The moment you've been waiting for: soldering your copper pipes. By now, you know the importance of dry pipes, clean surfaces, and flux. Now, let's put that knowledge into action and create a solid, leak-free connection.
What You'll Need
Copper pipes and fittings: Ensure they're the correct size and type for your project.
Pipe cutter: For clean, square cuts.
Deburring tool or sandpaper: To remove burrs.
Wire brush or emery cloth: For cleaning the pipes.
Flux: Acid-based for plumbing.
Lead-free solder: For safe drinking water applications.
Propane torch: With a flame spreader for even heating.
Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
Work gloves: To protect your hands.
Heat-resistant cloth or gloves: For handling hot pipes.
Fire extinguisher: For safety.
Step-by-Step Soldering Process
Preparation:
Turn off the water supply and drain the pipes.
Cut the pipes to the desired length using a pipe cutter.
Deburr the inside and outside of the cut pipes.
Clean the pipe ends and the inside of the fitting with a wire brush or emery cloth.
Assembly:
Apply flux to both the pipe end and the inside of the fitting.
Assemble the joint by inserting the pipe into the fitting.
Heating:
Light the propane torch and adjust the flame to a blue cone.
Heat the fitting evenly with the torch, moving it in a circular motion.
Important: Heat the fitting, not the pipe. This allows the heat to draw the solder into the joint.
Soldering:
Touch the solder to the edge of the fitting where it meets the pipe.
If the joint is hot enough, the solder will melt and flow into the joint by capillary action.
Remove the solder and continue heating the joint for a few more seconds to ensure the solder flows completely around the fitting.
Don't over-apply solder: A small amount is all you need.
Cooling and Inspection
Remove the heat and allow the joint to cool naturally. Do not use water to cool it.
Once cool, inspect the joint for a smooth, even solder bead all the way around.
Things to Consider Before and After Soldering
Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Fire safety: Keep flammable materials away from the work area.
Proper fit: Ensure the pipe and fitting are properly aligned before soldering.
Cleanliness: Keep the joint clean and free of debris.
Leak testing: After soldering and cooling, turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Common DIYer Mistakes
Not cleaning the pipes properly: This leads to weak joints.
Overheating the pipe: This can damage the pipe and the fitting.
Applying solder to the pipe instead of the fitting: This prevents proper capillary action.
Using the wrong type of flux: Rosin-based flux is for electrical work, not plumbing.
Not allowing the joint to cool naturally: This can cause the joint to crack.
By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can solder copper pipes with confidence and achieve professional-quality results.
