how sweat copper pipe

In this particular guide you will learn about sweating a copper pipe and we will be using propane torch. Sweating a pipe also called soldering is the process of heating solder a metal alloy to fuse a copper pipe with a fitting.

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Remove Flame from Fitting.

. As a mechanical contractor I sweat a lot of copper pipe yet people dont believe me when I say the preparation is more important than the torch work. Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Before soldering of course you have to cut the pipe to fit which is worth a small writeup of its own. Lead-based solder however is not at all kosher for drinking water supply systems any more so instead youll have to use the newer lead-free solders.

This is the most important step throughout the sweating process. We also recommend a tube cutter flame protector cloth see opening photo and heavy gloves and eye protection. This ensures that the joints are solid and leakproof. How to Sweat Copper Pipe.

Using high heat a plumber joins the pipes with filler metal called solder which is a flexible metal wire and a paste called flux which draws the melted solder into the joint helping to properly seal the connection or joint. Move this part of the flame along the fitting and the pipe to bring them up to. I have no idea since Im not a plumber but I. This process is known as unsweating pipe.

Why do they call it sweating instead of soldering. Soldering also known as sweating is a method of joining two pieces of copper together usually water lines. Most homes use copper pipes for their plumbing needs. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes.

Solder is a metal or metallic alloy that historically consisted of lead known as lead-based solder and tin in various proportions. I had a plumbing problem needing to be addressed people. Step 1 - Preparation. The process of joining copper pipe and fitting is called soldering or sweating which is a critical step in the copper installation process.

In this video the DIY Guy shows you how to sweat copper pipeHere are a few other plumbing videos you might likeW. Prepare the Pipe and Clean Inside of the Pipe Fitting. The tip of this light blue flame is the hottest part of the flame. However for smaller diameters of copper tubing say 8mm or 22mm electrical tool can be used to do the job.

Stop mixing copper with cast iron piping and learned how to sweat solder copper piping. Heat the Fitting to Sweat the Copper Pipe. Soldering copper pipe is a plumbing project most people can do themselves with a Bernzomatic torch and just a few essential inexpensive materials. Bear in mind that sweating copper pipe to brass or bronze fittings is a little trickier than sweating copper pipe to copper fittings.

It used to be even easier back when we used 5050 tinlead solder. Even the experienced tend to rush the job. Use standard sweating techniques to put a new pipe section in and the couplers needed right up. Plumbers join copper pipe with a torch and soldering paste in a process called sweating pipe.

While a professional plumber can fit and install these pipes with relative ease it is also possible for the weekend. Thorough cleaning is critical for ensuring the success of the sweating copper pipe process. In plumbing the purpose of sweating pipes is to create a permanent watertight seal where the pipe connects to or joins with another piece of metal. If the copper pipe you intend to sweat is a water pipe you must drain the line and ensure that it is completely free of.

If you look at the flame of torch you will notice there is a lighter blue well-defined flame in the middle of a darker blue flame. No more struggling to get that last drop of water out of the pipes so you can solder it. Foremost among these is the sharkbite push on fitting. To make repairs it is sometimes necessary to take the joint apart.

Flux is used to prevent oxidation in the copper when the heat is applied and to wet the metal allowing the liquid solder to flow more easily into the joint. What Does Sweating Pipes Mean. Most copper pipe cutters cost less than 10 bucks. No Sweat Copper Pipe Joints.

Plumbing doesnt have to be intimidating. The process is simpleif yo. I bought one today for 850 after realizing what a disaster my grinders metal cut off wheel was making. Touch the Solder to the Pipe.

Tools Materials and Safety Gear. How to Sweat solder Copper Pipe. January 30 2021 November 28 2020 by Gerald OReilly. Soldering copper pipe is easy and fun.

The plumber applies the solder to the juncture of the pipe and fitting making it watertight and permanent. You can find all the basic soldering copper pipe equipment at full-service hardware stores or home centersa propane torch solder emery cloth Photo 3 and flux. After cleaning you shouldnt touch the copper pipes with your bare hands or the dirt and your skins natural oil will interfere with the soldering process. One of the many plumbing innovations of the last century or so is the solderless copper pipe fittings.

The most common way of joining copper pipe is by soldering its called sweating mostly in the US probably because the pipe sweats as it heats up. A propane torch is the tool well use to sweat copper pipe. Since copper tubing is designed to conduct heat away faster as opposed to hand-held soldering iron propane torch is recommended. Soldering is a technique used most frequently for plumbing repairs and installations but can also be used to create jewelry connect circuit wires or automotive repair.

Sweating copper pipe fittings is a very basic procedure but one which intimidates many people. While it will take some practice you can sweat copper pipes. Apply Flux to the Pipe and Fitting.

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