Table of Contents
What type of solder is used on drinking water copper lines?
Lead-free plumbing solders are required for use on pipes carrying drinking water, also known as potable water lines. Leaded solders are available for applications that will not come into contact with potable water, such as sheet metal repair or copper drain lines.
Do you need flux to solder copper pipe?
Strong metals such as brass and copper will require a synthetic acid flux in order to be soldered. This will remove not only oxidation but also corrosion and other residues that build up on these metals.
What type of solder should be used on water lines that are under high pressure?
Solder is available in three types: 50 percent lead/50 percent tin; 95 percent tin-antimony/5 percent lead; and lead-free solder. Any water supply pipe should be soldered with solder that contains no more than five percent lead. If possible, use the lead-free solder.
What kind of solder do you use for copper wire?
The best solder to use for tinning stranded copper wire is electrical-grade rosin-core solder. This is an acid-free solder that contains a flux in the core of the solder. Never use solder that contains acid, which can damage the wire or its insulation. Acid-core solder is intended for use in plumbing applications.
Can you connect copper pipe without soldering?
It is possible to connect a copper pipe without soldering. Copper has found a home in many types of piping systems, from hot and cold potable water to fire protection systems.
What is the purpose of using flux when soldering a copper pipe?
The main purpose of the flux is to prepare the metal surfaces for soldering by cleaning and removing any oxides and impurities. Oxides are formed when metal is exposed to air and may prevent the formation of good solder joints.
What do I need to solder a copper pipe?
You can find all the basic soldering copper pipe equipment at full-service hardware stores or home centers—a propane torch, solder, emery cloth (Photo 3) and flux. We also recommend a tube cutter, flame protector cloth (see opening photo) and heavy gloves and eye protection.
Why does my solder not stick to copper pipe?
If the solder is beading up or running down the pipe, you have a dirty fitting. Just as Vic says use clean fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth. Clean both surfaces, spread flux as soon as you clean them. Also clean and flux joint after you fit them together.
How much pressure can a copper solder joint hold?
A soldered four-inch Type L joint has a pressure rating of 440 psi.
How many PSI is soft solder good for?
It will be “safe” at 150 psi as long as your solder joints are done correctly, but you should not need that pressure for anything you will be doing.
What solder do plumbers use?
Electrical solder is commonly a 60/40 blend of lead and tin. Because of the dangers of toxic lead in drinking water, local building codes now legally require the use of lead-free plumbing solder on all potable water plumbing connections that require soldering.
What type of solder will you select to solder electrical wires?
Lead solder wire is usually made from an alloy of lead and tin. Tin is commonly used with lead as it has a lower melting temperature. It has an alloy ratio of 63/37 or 60/40. When working with electrical components 63/37 is the best.
Can copper wire be soldered?
Soldering copper is a fairly easy task for the homeowner to complete, providing that they follow a few simple instructions. Begin by laying out all the items containing copper wire that you wish to solder; plug in your soldering iron to let it heat up and put on all the necessary safety gear.
How do you solder copper wire at home?
Avoid any contact with the tip or heat shield; both can reach 400 degrees in temperature. Hold the solder to the joint you are trying to solder. Place the tip of the solder at the point where the solder iron tip and part you are soldering meet. Hold the solder in place for a few seconds until solder starts to flow.
Can you solder a pipe with water in it?
Don’t try to solder pipes with water in them. Soldering a joint in pipes that contain even tiny amounts of water is nearly impossible. Most of the heat from the torch goes into turning the water to steam, so the copper won’t get hot enough to melt the solder. Stop the trickle of water with a pipe plug.
How do you weld a leaking pipe?
Wrap the putty around the pipe, pressing the plug into the hole to seal the leak, as well as flattening the edges to secure it down. Don’t just plug the hole. Consider the pressure of the water and use enough J-B Weld to hold the affected pipe area. Allow the patch to fully cure for at least one hour.
How do you seal a leaking pipe joint?
To fix a leaking joint using epoxy putty, first wipe the pipe so that it is dry. Then form the putty into a sausage-like shape whilst soft and apply it around the leaking joint, pushing it down onto the pipe to create a tight seal where it will harden to seal the leak.
How long after soldering can I turn water on?
If you followed these instructions, the joint is likely very tight. The only good way to test is to put pressure on the joint (turn on the water to the house). Be sure to wait until the solder has cooled (2-3 minutes) before pressurizing the line to avoid the solder cracking due to a quick change in temperature.
How do you clean copper pipes before soldering?
Brush joints thoroughly before fluxing Oils, oxidation and other impurities on the outside of pipes and inside of fittings prevent solder from sticking. To clean them, you can use just about anything that’s abrasive, including sandpaper and emery cloth.
Is there an alternative to soldering copper pipe?
Copper press fitting is a flameless alternative to soldering copper pipe connections. In this system, a hydraulic tool is used to press specially designed connectors to join traditional pipes. These connectors house a sealing element that, when pressed, creates an even and reliable connection.
