Can you remove old solder and resolder a copper pipe connection? If so, how?

Question

I have a1.5" vertical section of copper pipe leaking between two 90 degree elbows. Can those connections to the elbows be heated and the solder removed, the pipe cleaned, and a new section of pipe soldered to the same elbow connections?

I look forward to your response so I can get the water back on.

Answer 1

Absolutely, and you already know the answer - clean the pipes. No need to sand off all the old solder, just enough so the joints slip back toghether and the material is shinny clean. Use flux of course, sane as with new fittings.

Cheers

Answer 2

You can remove the section of pipe between the elbows.Use a propane toarch and heat the pipe at the joints until the solder melts.Take the pipe apart.You did not say if the pipe was leaking at the elbows or if the vertical piece of pipe is busted.In any case you need to clean the copper before resoldering.Clean the straight piece on each end with emory cloth.You also need to clean inside of the elbows.There is a brush made for this.Once everything is clean you need to put flux on the ends of the pipe and inside of the elbows.Put the pipe back together and solder.Put the torch on the elbow , heat it up hot enough to suck the solder up into the joint.
Mel
http://www.home-decorating-now.com

Answer 3

with this tight a spacing it would be best to start with new stuff. Elbows and 1.5" pipe. Cold fit everything to be sure it fits.... then put on soldering paste to the surfaces and refit everything, then heat it all up and touch the solder to the pipe until the pipe melts the solder(not the torch flame.) 1 joint,2 joint,3joint,4joint - done. Walk away and have a coffee and let it cool. Removing the solder is not an option. Takes too much time.

Answer 4

How To Clean Copper Pipe

Answer 5

Yes. But just go back with new parts.
The line will have to be drained.
It may be best to first just saw or cut with tubing cutters the bad section so steam can easily leave, then unsolder at the joints. Wipe will hot safely. Sand and wipe with a clean rag. Then flux up the new pipe and fittings, reassemble and solder it up.

I miss that kind of plumbing. In residential work, plastic is more and more piping being used.

Answer 6

1st you will need to drain the water out of the line, at the lowest possible point.
Using a blowlamp, heat the fitting to be removed, including a little section of the pipe.
With a block of wood, or the handle of a hammer ect. gently knock the fitting off. Have a gas/water pump pliers handy to hold the fitting, wipe the inside of the fitting with a soft cloth, and the end section of the pipe.
Clean the end of the pipe with some sandpaper, coat with flux, re-install your new section of pipe, and heat and solder the elbows.
Wipe clean with a cloth afterwards to remove the excess flux and solder.
Rinse the water line properly before using.

Answer 7

i suggest doing it both ways. if you have a leak center of run, pipe is eroded. bends get more sterss than straight pipe. i would replace bad run of pipe along with both elbows. if area allows, cut solder from pipes left, if not, clean and resolder.

Answer 8

Yup just re-heat it. They sell a copper thread at radio shack that will remove the solder once its heated. Of course if the pipe doesnt look clean it would be best to replace it since your there anyways.

Answer 9

the easiest and probably cheapest and definately the quickest way to fix this is to go to a home supply store , buy two 1/2inch id compression elbows and about 2 feet of tubing. cut the two elbos out where the leak is, file the pipe ends, install the new elbos and cut the new tube to suit. this eliminates the need of complete draining, and takes the potential for burning your house down away if you are an amature, and/or dont have the proper equipment

Answer 10

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