how do i make solder connections on copper pipe?

Question

i have to put a shut off valve in existing pipe

Answer 1

and the simple answer is buy a compression valve. Cut the pipe where you want it and use 2 wrenches to tighten the new valve on. If you're already asking how to solder, you're next question is going to end up being how do I solder a pipe with water in it?

Answer 2

The most important thing to do is make sure the pipe is cleaned. Take some sand paper and sand the outside of the pipes until they are shiny. Also do the inside of the valve. Make sure there isn't any residual water in your pipes by the joint as it will mess up the solder. Put the flux on the outside of the pipes and inside the valve where they will meet and then put them together. Heat the joints with your torch. When it is the right temperature the solder should melt when you touch it to the pipe and run all the way around the joint. The pipe doesn't have to be red hot but to cold will make blobs. It takes practice so don't give up.

Answer 3

You will need plumbing solder, a torch of some type, some soldering flux, and some sandpaper.

Use the sandpaper to thoroughly clean both the ends of the pipe, and the inside of the shut off valve. (roll up the sandpaper into a tube with the grit on the outside to easily clean the insides of the valve)

Spread plumbing flux (it lookes like grease) on all surfaces to be soldered. Don't go overboard with the flux, as it will just drip all over when heated, but make sure all soldering surfaces are covered.

After everything is cleaned and fluxed, assemble it all together. Lite your torch and start heating. Don't concentrate the heat on the joints at first, as the heat will bleed off to the cold parts of the connection. Heat about 2 inches on each side of the joint. When the flux starts to melt, try touching the end of the solder wire to the joint. If it's hot enough, it will flow around the joint.

Make sure it flows all around the joint. To get behind the joint, I usually bend the end of the solder wire in a hook so I can easily get behind the joint. If the solder falls off, the joint isn't hot enough.

Repeat for the other side of the valve. It will go faster because its already fairly hot.

Let the joints cool for a minute or so. If you want, pour some water over the joints, or place a really wet rag on them to hasten the process. However, wait about 30 seconds after you take the flame away before you do this.

Turn your water on, and check for leaks. If you do have one, be aware that you will have to ENTIRELY drain all the water back out before attempting to resolder.

Things to watch out for: Make sure you're not setting anything on fire with the torch. Try and direct the flame away from flamable materials. If you are forced to work under the job, keep your face well away. The flux will drip, and the solder may. You really want to get it right the first time, as it can be a pain to get water out for a second attempt.

If you have enough heat, and everythings clean, it should be pretty easy. In a perfect situation, when the connection is hot, you should be able to touch the solder wire to the joint, and it will flash a bright silver color stream around the joint very rapidly.

As the conncections (elbows and tees, etc, but not the valves) are pretty cheap, you might want to practice on some scrap pipe and extra connections to get the hang of it. Be aware that the valve will take more heat since it's got more metal.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

There have been some very good suggestions about how to solder the pipes to the valve body. Unless I missed it however, one important item has been overlooked. Before you attempt to solder in the valve body take it apart so the washers and seals inside the valve are not damaged during the heating process. When it is all soldered and cooled you can reassemble the valve.

Answer 5

Prep the pipe ends by rubbing with steel wool to remove oxidation. Applying a flux will prevent oxidation during heating and ensure a solid bold

position the pieces of pipe and heat the copper pipe either with a torch or a soldering iron (I personally prefer a torch for this application) until the metal is hot enough to melt the solder. Touch the solder to the joint and it will flow. Take away the heat and allow to cool.

Sometimes people apply heat from the soldering iron or torch directly to the solder. This doesn't work. Solder will flow toward heat. You don't want to flow toward your heat source but toward the joint. This is why you heat the pipe itself and then touch the solder to the pipe...it allows to solder to flow evenly.

Answer 6

Use Emory cloth To clean pipe Where You are going To cut It. Cut out section Of pipe and Clean it again Apply Flux then Install Valve.

Answer 7

Forget trying to solder existing pipe use a compression valve and be done with it. if it leaks tighten it if it doesn't then your good. (BALL Valve preferably)

Answer 8

You have to heat the pipe and use flex so the solder runs. put the solder at the top of the pipe and it will run into the joint because of gravity.

Answer 9

Generally, most advice above was correct. However, most answers, although some were very detailed, did not include everything that you need to know, do, and purchase. As a result, I'm not going to provide my two cents worth, but instead refer you to two excellent web sites listed below which will provide you with step by step instructions.

Good Luck

PS: It will help to have an assistant!

Answer 10

This website will be very helpful. Good Luck :
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/homemaintenance/plumbing/general/solder.php