When given enough practice, the skill of soldering pipes can be done by any homeowner. If you have the right tools, this home improvement option need not require the expense that comes with professional help. After purchasing the needed pipes and corresponding fittings for the job, the next important items are the tools. Many plumbing supply outlets sell them and they aren't expensive.
The first thing that you need to get is a good torch. propane torches are the cheapest of its kind. A simple one will consist of a nozzle and valve which are connected to a disposable propane cylinder. If you are willing to pay a little extra, choose a type of propane torch that has a built-in lighter. It's worth the investment and it's easier since you no longer need matches or a spark striker to start the flames. Look for a good torch that uses MAAP gas because they tend to be hotter. This is particularly useful when you need to solder pipes with larger diameters and heavy valves. A tubing cutter works better than a hacksaw for cutting the pipes, simply for the neatness and precision of the cut. Next is a pipe cleaning tool. You can also make use of emery cloth or steel wool to clean but it will take longer and is a bit more difficult. The last on the list are acid-free flux or tinning flux, disposable brush and solder that doesn't contain lead.
"Sweating a pipe" is the whole idea of soldering since the diameter of the copper pipe on the outside is a bit smaller than the inside of the fitting. All of the space, no matter how tiny, must be filled up with liquid solder. It may seem all complex to a new comer to the do-yourself trades. Perhaps this is true. Or perhaps you just like to learn and try new things. Yet if you think its over head make sure the plumbing or heating trades professional you call make sure they are trusted , reputable and have a good sterling reputation. Referrals by word of mouth from friends and family are often the best way to go.
Soldering can also be referred to as "sweating a pipe". This means that all the tiny spaces in between the fitting and pipe must be filled up with a liquid solder. The three main factors for success are: a clean joint, proper temperature and flux.
Assemble the joint by sliding the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the bottom. To spread the flux, rotate the pipe which is in the fitting. Add support to the pipe so that it doesn't move during the soldering process. Provide heat only to the fitting and not the solder. The metal should have enough heat to melt the solder but not too hot that it already gives off smoke. Set the torch in an angle that keeps the blue flame two inches away from the fitting. The flux will begin to sizzle in only a few seconds. Remove a few inches of solder from the roll and bend an inch at the end into a 45-degree angle.
The first thing that you need to get is a good torch. propane torches are the cheapest of its kind. A simple one will consist of a nozzle and valve which are connected to a disposable propane cylinder. If you are willing to pay a little extra, choose a type of propane torch that has a built-in lighter. It's worth the investment and it's easier since you no longer need matches or a spark striker to start the flames. Look for a good torch that uses MAAP gas because they tend to be hotter. This is particularly useful when you need to solder pipes with larger diameters and heavy valves. A tubing cutter works better than a hacksaw for cutting the pipes, simply for the neatness and precision of the cut. Next is a pipe cleaning tool. You can also make use of emery cloth or steel wool to clean but it will take longer and is a bit more difficult. The last on the list are acid-free flux or tinning flux, disposable brush and solder that doesn't contain lead.
"Sweating a pipe" is the whole idea of soldering since the diameter of the copper pipe on the outside is a bit smaller than the inside of the fitting. All of the space, no matter how tiny, must be filled up with liquid solder. It may seem all complex to a new comer to the do-yourself trades. Perhaps this is true. Or perhaps you just like to learn and try new things. Yet if you think its over head make sure the plumbing or heating trades professional you call make sure they are trusted , reputable and have a good sterling reputation. Referrals by word of mouth from friends and family are often the best way to go.
Soldering can also be referred to as "sweating a pipe". This means that all the tiny spaces in between the fitting and pipe must be filled up with a liquid solder. The three main factors for success are: a clean joint, proper temperature and flux.
Assemble the joint by sliding the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the bottom. To spread the flux, rotate the pipe which is in the fitting. Add support to the pipe so that it doesn't move during the soldering process. Provide heat only to the fitting and not the solder. The metal should have enough heat to melt the solder but not too hot that it already gives off smoke. Set the torch in an angle that keeps the blue flame two inches away from the fitting. The flux will begin to sizzle in only a few seconds. Remove a few inches of solder from the roll and bend an inch at the end into a 45-degree angle.
About the Author:
Formerly nearly all solders contained lead, butenvironmental concerns have increasingly dictated use of lead-free alloys for electronics and plumbing purposes - after all we cannot export our toxins anymore to China.
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