How do you solder copper pipe and fittings？
Date: 2025/10/14 8:58:39 * Browse: 3
To solder copper pipe and fittings, you must first clean the pipe and fitting surfaces, apply flux, assemble the joint, and then heat the fitting evenly with a torch. Once the fitting is hot enough, touch the solder to the joint to draw it in via capillary action, ensuring you heat the fitting itself, not the solder. Finish by wiping excess flux with a rag and allowing the joint to cool undisturbed.
Cut the pipe to the desired length and ensure the cut is square.
Use a deburring tool to remove any burrs from the inside of the pipe.
Thoroughly sand the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting with emery cloth or a steel scrubber until both surfaces are bright and shiny.
Wipe the cleaned surfaces with a clean rag to remove any debris.
Apply a thin, even coat of soldering flux to both the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting.
2. Assemble the joint
Insert the pipe into the fitting, twisting it a quarter turn to distribute the flux evenly.
Clean up any excess flux that has squeezed out to prevent it from dripping during soldering.
Make sure all water is out of the pipe, as water can cause steam and interfere with the solder.
Using a propane or Mapp gas torch, apply heat to the fitting (not the pipe) with the hottest part of the flame, moving the torch around the entire joint.
Heat the bottom of the fitting first, as heat rises, and continue to heat the top section with the flame.
For a vertical joint, heat the middle of the fitting to ensure solder flows both up and down.
To test if the fitting is hot enough, touch the tip of the solder to the joint. If the fitting is hot enough, the solder will melt and be sucked into the joint.
Remove the torch and apply the solder to the joint, using just enough to fill it, about the same length as the diameter of the pipe.
Feed the solder along the joint while the torch is in your other hand, keeping the flame on the fitting.
Immediately after applying the solder, use a damp cloth to carefully wipe away any excess flux from the outside of the joint to prevent corrosion.
Allow the joint to cool completely on its own, as disturbing it can cause cracks in the solder.
Check the joint to ensure it is completely filled and has no gaps. If you find any issues, you can reheat the joint, apply more flux, and add more solder.
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