Sweating Copper

[NickDanger]

Is it really as easy as it looks?

It doesn't look much harder than gluing pvc pipe. Maybe a little harder. A little more prep and a few more tools and much more expensive materials, but the actual soldering/sweating looks pretty damn easy. Easier than soldering some of the doofy science projects I tried 40 years ago.

 

[ADMIRALSTOCKDALE]

it's very easy.
sand paper each end of pipe, apply flux.
wire brush inside of fittings, flux.
heat fittings - not pipe
draw solder around connection.

make sure virtually ALL water is out of pipes or it won't heat.

 

[BigWill]

yep. The key is a dry pipe.

Although I am normally a big fan of propane (and propane accessories) I HIGHLY recommend mapp gas, instead. Although it's a bastard gas, it's hotter than propane.

 

[nashhorn]

As said, must have dry pipe but key #2 is must have clean pipe. Cannot over emphasize the importance of getting pipe and fittings clean, sand paper or steel wool.

 

[flaco]

If you have a pipe that is still dripping a little water that you need to sweat, stuff some bread in the tube to block the water. It will wash out when you turn on the faucet.

 

[Schlieffen Plan]

cheap white bread only, it dissolves the best

 

[Not that Bob]

"Cheap white bread only." That's racist.

 

[NickDanger]

Not if you toast it over real lump mesquite charcoal on your $800 charcoal grill. If you do it any other way, you are a *****, but not a racist.

 

[Uninformed]

I have seen the future and the future is PEX piping.

 

[AUinAustin]

I worked construction in college as a plumber and sweated miles of copper. The description is correct. A hotter flame is better but even a handheld propane torch will work. Not sure if you can find it anymore but obviously avoid lead based solder. And if you are doing this on an existing house make sure you fireproof the wall behind the pipe and have a fire extinguisher handy