Can you solder a copper water line?
Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes. The process is simple—if you follow a few basic guidelines. In this story we’ll show you how to solder copper quickly and easily.
What type of solder is used on drinking water copper lines?
Lead-free
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.
Can you solder copper pipe with a propane torch?
The torch needed for soldering copper can be propane or MAPP gas (methylacetylene-propadiene propane). Propane works fine, it just takes longer—which may work to your advantage if you are new to soldering copper and are working on 3/4-inch or 1/2-inch pipe. The choice of a torch is really up to you.
Do you have to use flux when soldering copper pipes?
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.
Which flux is used for copper soldering?
No. 135
| Superior Flux Number | No. 135 |
|---|---|
| Description | Rosin Paste Flux – OK for Electronics |
| Rec. Base Metals | Copper |
| Rec. Solders | Tin-Based; Lead-Free or Lead-Bearing |
| Rec. Temp Ranges | 95-315°C / 200-600°F |
What is the best way to solder copper?
Heat the iron up and apply a small bead of solder to the tip. Bring this into contact with the joint to be soldered and wait. It may take ten or twenty seconds for enough heat to transfer to the part to melt the solder. Occasionally tap the tip of the solder to the joint to see when it is hot enough.
How do you solder copper joints?
Steps Assemble the tools you’ll need for soldering the pipe. Cut the pipe at the desired location. Remove the burrs from the cut pipe. Clean the pipe where it will be joined. Apply the tinning flux to the pipe. Heat the copper joint. Apply the solder to the joint. Allow the solder to harden.
How do you solder copper tubing?
To solder copper pipe you must heat the copper pipe and the fitting to be soldered to a sufficient temperature. When the copper is hot enough, it will actually draw the solder into the joint by capillary attraction.
What is Pipe soldering?
Soldering is the process of joining two metal components by the addition of a heated filler metal. The process is instrumental in joining copper plumbing pipes to form sturdy, leak-proof joints.