can i solder copper pipe to galvanized pipe?

Question

i need to move some plumbing to another adjacent wall (and/or repair a leaky pipe) and was wondering if i should use copper pipe or galvanized since that is what's already there. i know how to solder silver, gold, and other soft metals, i've tried mixing metals before with some success but i remember a plumber telling me something about eventual corrosion at the joint when copper is matched to galvanized pipe. any plumbers out there? any good ones in houston?

i know how to and have the supplies for O/A welding, i also have a prop. torch.

Answer 1

No you can't solder the two pipes sucessfully. You'll have leaks in nothing flat. You can use couplers to connect the two different metals. The plumber you spoke to was talking about ionization. You'll get a chemical reaction from the two leaving a white deposit around the copper solder areas. You eventually get a corrosion type deposit as said, but it doesn't really hurt anything for quite some time. Don't worry about it. If you have to, you have to. Copper is your choice piping or even better is Plastics (CPVC). You remove that deposit/chemical reaction. The only concern then is getting the right glue for the job. Talk to the sales associate where you buy your plumbing stuff.

Answer 2

Copper Pipe Soldering Kit

Answer 3

Absolutely not. Even if it was physically possible to solder them, it is a terrible idea to mix galvanized and copper in the same system. While it can be done by using a special fitting that connects them without a metal to metal contact, even that is a bad idea.

There is a chemical/electrical reaction between the iron and the copper that will eventually damage both. No good will come of this.

Unfortunately, sometimes it is very difficult to work on an old system without having to do something creative to put it where you need to be. Usually, a union (a type of pipe joint) will allow you the creativity you need with galvanized. Copper fittings come in enough variety to make unusual paths possible, but I have seen copper unions also.

You could splice in a piece of plastic by getting the proper adapters. I have seen it used in a short run to replace damaged pipe. Personally, I think it looks cheesy to do that, but it does work.

Personally, I like copper better than any other pipe. Use non-lead solder. Use a torch and other materials that are suitable for copper. The jewlers things that you have used may not be appropriate for copper pipes. Many of them put out a hot enough flame, but too little volume of flame.

Answer 4

No, you can't solder them together. Soldering temperatures are too low to be able to successfully bond copper to iron (galvanized steel pipe.)

In addition, water will help conduct a small electrical charge to flow between the 2 metals, and eventually, the iron pipe will completely corrode through. This is called a 'galvanic cell', due the different electron potentials of copper and iron. It actually works like a very low voltage battery - and the iron turns to rust.

You can do a couple of things. The best solution is to insert a 'dielectric union' in between both pipes. This union has one side which is brass and the other side is galvanized iron - with a rubber washer in between to isolate the two metals. These are commonly used on hot water tank installations. You can buy a sweat solder type, or a threaded type of dielectric union.

You can also install a short brass nipple (about 6" long) with a coupling between the two pipes. The brass is compatible with the copper, but will also protect the galv iron pipe from corroding.

Either method is allowable per the plumbing code.

Good luck.

Answer 5

This would take some experimentation on your part. But one thing you need to know is that its not the same as other soldering. So you're going to have to get a propane soldering kit. Like 20$ or less at Home Depot or Lowes. And also a wire brush, emory cloth, etc...

But in attaching cooper to galvanized pipe, I would try looking for a compression fitting for going from that size of galvanized pipe to the copper pipe and not do any soldering. If the galvanized pipe has no threads, get a die to thread it.

Answer 6

How To Weld Copper Pipe

Answer 7

You cant solder gal and copper but you can and probably should use copper for your new plumbing. You can mate the two together with threaded joints. thread the end of the gal pipe or go back to a threaded joint and screw on a female coupler then screw a male copper adapter to that. From there you can then solder copper to copper with no problem. Visit your local plumbing supply or even Home Depot and tell them what size gal pipe you have and they will be happy to provide you with the appropriate options and material.
good luck
doc

Answer 8

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