Apply acid-free flux to both the outside of
the male fitting and the inside of the female fitting. Flux
further cleans the copper plus helps to prevent oxidation as
the pipe heats up. If the pipe becomes oxidized, the joint
may leak.
Join the two pieces securely together.
Unroll about four inches of solder and straighten
it. You will use the roll or container as a handle when applying
the solder.
Light the torch and apply the flame to the
joint. Move the flame around to ensure that you
heat the metal on the opposite side from you.
When the flux begins to bubble and spit, touch
the tip of the solder to the joint. The solder should melt immediately
and disappear into the joint. Remove the heat. Work quickly because the pipe's temperature will drop quickly. Move the tip of the solder around
the entire joint to ensure that solder fills in all the way
around. If the joint stopped taking up solder because the solder was not melting, then quickly add more heat so that more solder can be applied.
Once the joint will take no more solder it will build up outside of the joint and begin to drip. Use a damp rag to wipe the joint clean.
Notes:
Always check for leaks after the pipe has
cooled.
If you overheat the copper, it will oxidize
and that prevents the solder from bonding.
If the joint leaks, you must open the joint,
remove all the solder and start over by cleaning the metal and
applying flux. It may be easier to start over with new fittings.
Always use lead-free solder.
Make sure the pipes are completely dry or
it will interfere with the bonding of the solder.
If you cannot completely stop the flow of
water from the pipe you are working on, it may be impossible to heat the pipe hot enough. Take a wad of white
bread (without the crust) and stuff it into the pipe. This will
hold the water back for a minute or two. After that the bread
will dissolve harmlessly in the pipe and is easily flushed out.
If you use MAPP gas instead of propane, it burns much hotter and will heat the copper very quickly compare to propane. If you are used to propane, practice with MAPP before beginning work.
