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Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing, maintenance
or repairs. Wear eye protection and gloves when soldering and
when working with flux. Flux is a toxic substance. Some equipment
may rely on a cold water supply. Take appropriate steps to shut
down any equipment that may be adversely affected by shutting
off the water supply. Such equipment includes, but is not limited
to, a boiler or other heating system.
Note: Because you are working with
a flame, often in a confined space, be aware of flammable
materials near where you are working. In some cases, you may need
to set up a non-flammable heat shield between the solder joint
and flammable material nearby. Check with your local authority
for applicable codes about the work you wish to perform and the
necessity of permits before you begin your project.
When copper pipes are joined with fittings,
there is a very small gap between the fitting and the pipe. When the pipe and fitting
are heated, and solder is touched to the pipe, the solder melts
and is drawn up into the gap through capillary action. Once the
gap is filled, and the heat removed, the solder forms a seal and
makes a watertight joint.
Soldering copper pipes, also called sweating copper, is easy once you
get the hang of it. The key is to recognize that you are heating
the pipes, not the solder. The heated copper melts the solder.
Follow the steps in this guide and you should be able to make
watertight joints. It is recommended that you practice a few times
on some spare parts until you feel confident.
- Remove all burrs from the inside and outside
edges of the pipe with a deburring tool. Small burrs can result
in variety of problems in the lifespan of the water supply system.
- Clean the outside of the pipe to a brilliant
shine with a copper pipe cleaning brush, or simply use steel
wool or emery cloth. If the copper is not clean, the solder may not bond properly and the joint may
leak.
- Clean the inside of the female fitting in
the same way as in step 1.
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