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Soldering a Copper Pipe Joint

Plumber Jack O'Leary shows Bob how to sweat a copper pipe joint. Jack cleans the pipe ends and fittings prior to applying the flux and explainsthe purpose of each step.

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Soldering a Copper Pipe Joint

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" And this time we're talking about copper piping right? Right. Now, what are of the most important things to do what you're when you're joining two pieces of copper, when you're soldering in them together, to make sure you don't have leaks? Well, the most important thing is to clean it really well because the copper has residue from the factory and oils, so you want to clean this really well, get it down to rough copper. rough What are you cleaning it with? This is emory cloth. Yeah. So we clean all the pipes with the fittings, which are already clean and you clean the inside of the fittings by using a little brush like this, (Exactly.) the which is basically a brass brush. it would just. See, we just stick it in there, -- (Yes.) and it gets a nice and clean. Now, we're ready for flux. And the flux is essentially an agent Opt for the solder. The flux -- heats up and draws the solder -- right into the fitting so you have a good joint. So, we put this elbow right here. Now, is is that the hot, or the cold? That's the hot. We're facing the shower valve: hot's always on the left cold's always on the right. Okay. And of course, that these pipes are going directly into the basement of the house all the way to the water heater. That's right. Okay we're bringing in new feeds right up to the new addition here. Now, why is it that you space the two pipes this far apart? You know, a lot of people would wonder why can't you just put the two and together and and strap them up somehow. Well, you want to keep them further apart; you don't want them rattling. You have to secure them real tightly like they are right now. And it's just a neater looking job if you keep everything parallel. And you can't bend anything right? No, it's illegal to bend anything. Yeah. So, what we will do is put these joints like this. and And let me flux this up. And now, we're going to be ready to solder. Even though it looks harder to put two elbows and a nipple in there to get over there, that's the way you meet the code. That's how you meet it. You ready to solder? Now we're ready to solder. Let's get the torch."

" We'll. We're going to heat the back of this joint doing right here, Bob, so that solders right into that joint. incidentally. We just have to hold that for about thirty seconds or so. and then you can start applying the solder. Exactly. Now, there was a fair amount lot of controversy in years past about lead content in these joints. And, what has the industry done about that? It's illegal to use any lead in solder (I'm going to be wiping that joint right here), to other solders so all this solder right here is lead-free. trees. This is all lead-free solder. Gives you a nice, neat-looking joint by wiping it. look. -- Do And the flux of course, draws that solder right into the back of the fitting. -- oh we Yeah, good."

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Sweating a Joint in Copper Plumbing

The plumber Steve Bowton shows Bob how to sweat a joint in copper plumbing. First he cleans the pipes with an emery cloth. Then he explains that plumbers no longer use lead solder and instead use a tin and antimony mixture to protect homeowners from lead poisoning. Then he puts flux on the pipes and the fittings. Places the fixture on the pipes and levels it, then solders the joints. The flux helps draw the solder into the space.

Quieting Loud Pipes

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. If your pipes are whistling, banging or knocking when you turn the water on or off, there are things you can do to quiet them. Water hammer is a common cause of banging pipes. In plumbing where water pressure is high, shutting off the tap can cause the pressure to back up and jolt the pipe, a little like slamming on the brakes in your car. The jolt can be especially violent when a solenoid-controlled appliance like a washer or dishwasher shuts the tap since the shutoff happens instantaneously. Many homes come already equipped with water hammer arresters, which are small air chambers attached above the water line to absorb the pressure of the water as it s shut off. Spiral-shaped water hammer arresters were also used years ago and you may still find them in older homes. Plumbing that s not properly anchored to the framing can rub or bang on whatever is nearby and cause a racket. All this banging and jolting can strain pipes and copper fittings and you can eventually wind up with a leak. It s best to deal with the cause of the noise wherever you have access to the plumbing. Plastic or nylon pipe inserts work well to cushion pipes running through framing members, but they need to be installed when you do the plumbing. For retrofitting, try pipe hangers. These plastic hooks hold the pipe off the framing and have a felt or rubber cushion to absorb any movement and prevent noise. Whistling sounds are also common where a shutoff valve hasn t been opened all the way or where pressure is high. If your water pressure is excessively high, installing a pressure-reducing valve near the water meter will get rid of the noise and lower your water bill. But consult a plumber first to be sure it won t take too much pressure away from any upper story plumbing. Find out more at BobVila.com: the ultimate home improvement web site! 2008 BobVila.com

Plumbing Fittings and Faucets

Bob and Dan Gerry form Tranquility Plumbing agree that budgeting for high-quality fittings and fixtures is important. The Moen diverter and sprayer that Gerry is installing is a great unit that is easily repaired by the homeowner. Gerry says that it is important to consider availability of parts when selecting fixtures, because every faucet will need repairs sometime. Gerry runs the supply line then adds a weight that will pull it though as soon as the sink is installed. He also fits the shut-off valves and tightens them in place so that water can be shut off at the site without needing to turn off service to the entire house.

Copper Pipe Joints

First use fine sandpaper to clean the inside of the fitting and the ends of the pipe. Then brush flux onto your fitting. Join the pipes together and use a propane torch to heat the fitting, not the pipe; that pulls the solder into the joint. If the copper turns black, it's too hot. Now, wipe off the excess, and that's all there is to it.