I am trying to solder a hose bib and coper pipe together, this is my first time. I am right now trying to solder it using a kit that I bought at Lowes. I cant get the skinny silver solder wire piece to melt to the pipes... is it not hot enough or do I need more flux? this is my first time doing this please help!
2007-02-26 11:58:06 · 4 answers · asked by imissrascal 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
OK were going to start from scratch ok >>>> here we go wipe every thing down to clean it off now sand male end of pipe till real shiny then dont touch it with your hands (oil) thensand female end (bib) flux both put togather then heat slowlyy then tapping tip of solder on pipe joint till it flows then go aroud once of twice then wipe down with wet cloth ( careful steam HOT ) let me know what happened
2007-02-26 12:21:35 · answer #1 · answered by TinMan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This isn't the right place to learn to solder pipe!
But if you MUST......
Clean the end of the pipe (plumbers cloth) and the inside of the brass fitting, don't touch the pieces you've just cleaned, the oil from your fingers can create a void.
Apply flux to both the fitting and the pipe and fit the 2 pieces together.
Next, hold the torch about an inch to an inch and a half from the fitting, be sure to keep it moving. After a minute or 2 lightly touch the end of the solder to the joint. If the solder doesn't melt, heat the FITTING a bit longer and repeat. If the solder appears to suck into the joint, move the piece of solder around th joint until there is a SMALL drop on the bottom. If the solder just drips on the floor, its too hot, remove the heat for a minute and start all over.
Again, sweating pipe together is something that takes hands on instuction and practice. Not exactly something a do it yourselfer should attempt on their own.......
2007-02-26 12:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by free_eagle716 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you have water in the pipe. open the hose bib while you are soldering and heat it until it evaporates or, stuff some bread in the pipe to stop the water from being an issue. after soldering flush the line out, run it basically. I'd suggest trying to get the water out of the line tho first. Solder melts around 460 degrees, water turns to steam at 212, with water in the pipe it cannot get any hotter than 212ish.
2007-02-26 12:14:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clean everything inside and out until it is shiny. Coat connection with flux. Assemble, and apply torch. Continue heating until the solder melts when it touches the copper. Never melt the wire with the torch flame. Melt the wire around the connection. The cooling copper should draw the solder into the joint. Clean off. Enjoy.
2007-02-26 12:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by Don 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋