Underground copper tube can be joined to the water main, corporation stop, water meter, meter-yoke, etc. using various joining methods such as compression joints, flared joints, packed joints, and soldering or brazing — although less common — where permitted. Straighten and re-size/re-round the ends of the copper tube. Click to see full answer.
Can you use copper solder underground?
Re: copper solder joints underground. in order to melt the silver solder, a temperature of 1300 to 1500 deg F must be obtained. the joint must be heated to a "cherry red" color. if you overheated the joint, the pipe would melt. soft copper which is used underground is by its nature weaker than hard copper.
What is the best way to solder water pipes?
The solder we use today is much stronger then the old 50-50 we used prior to the early 80's for water piping and I would do it on a remodeling job such as you are doing. Just make sure you get the joint shinny clean (no pits), not out of round and no water in the piping to hamper the soldering. Edited 1 times. Brazing is the easiest way.
Can copper be installed underground?
In most cases, the best option for installing copper underground is to bury it in direct contact with the soil. Copper is naturally corrosion resistant to most soils and underground environments.
Can you re-solder a copper pipe?
If you decide you want to re-solder a copper pipe, the best option is to do so without removing it from the wall. The only concern with this method is that you will need to use heat and avoid damaging anything around the pipe.
How do you fix a broken copper pipe underground?
3:385:58How To Repair An Underground Copper Pipe Leak In Your Front YardYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd deeper it you want a very very clean surface in there it creates a much better flow. And it's upMoreAnd deeper it you want a very very clean surface in there it creates a much better flow. And it's up to code so we're gonna go ahead and take that next step in the soldering. Process.
Does copper corrode underground?
Copper is essentially immune to corrosion. It behaves like a noble metal in most underground environments because of the naturally protective film that forms on the metal's surface. If this film, which often consists of reddish-brown cuprous oxide (Cu 20), is destroyed and cannot be repaired, copper will corrode.
What type of copper pipe is used underground?
Green copper pipes, that is type K, are the only type suitable for burying underground. They're generally used for supplying water into a house. Types L and M are the ideal pipes for supplying water throughout a home. Type L comes with thicker walls than type M.
How long do buried copper pipes last?
roughly 70-80 yearsTypes of Piping: What Your Pipes Are Made Of & How Long They Will Last. Copper: Copper piping remains extremely common in plumbing systems across America. Copper pipes last roughly 70-80 years, so if your house was constructed fairly recently, your copper pipes are probably in good shape.
Is it OK to bury copper pipe?
In most cases, the best option for installing copper underground is to bury it in direct contact with the soil. Copper is naturally corrosion resistant to most soils and underground environments.
Can you bury copper pipe in cement?
Concrete in direct contact with copper would corrode it. 15mm copper pipes will need to move as they expand / contract with the heat produced. Think about using plastic push fit pipes instead... Run them in a plastic waste pipe.
Can you use type L copper underground?
Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used to replace or repair water lines. If a home is known to have water issues like hard water, Type L copper is often the go-to choice because hard water will not wear through the thicker walls as easily as they will through Type M pipe.
Can ProPress be used underground?
It's one of the most common questions we get: can MegaPress, ProPress and other fittings be used underground? The answer is yes.
What is the best pipe to use for underground water line?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are a considered the best choice for underground water lines. What makes this type of piping so great? HDPE pipes are non-toxic, tasteless, and considered a green building material. The pipes are designed to be high crack- and corrosion-resistant.
Does mortar corrode copper pipe?
Copper will not react with dry, hardened concrete and/or mortar. I recently dug out some copper pipes buried for about 60 years in cement and mortar and whilst there was some discolouration there was no sign at all of any degredation of the Cu. It will outlive you and the house so go for it.
Are old copper pipes worth anything?
The copper pipes will fetch you more money if they are free of paint, rubber, or other metal coatings. Any additions to your copper pipes make them impure and will not cost much as scrap metal. For example, 0.5 lbs of high-quality scrap copper are worth $1.17. This is at $2.20 per pound of copper scrap metal.
Can copper pipes last 100 years?
As a general rule, copper pipes will last 70 to 80 years before they need replacing. However, some copper pipes have been known to last much longer and can be in working condition after 100 to 150 years. When copper pipes are nearing the end of their life, they will develop pinhole leaks.
How to install copper underground?
In most cases, the best option for installing copper underground is to bury it in direct contact with the soil. Copper is naturally corrosion resistant to most soils and underground environments. Wrapping or sleeving the copper tube in an effort to provide an additional layer of protection, while well intended, can lead to failure due to improper sleeving or wrapping practices. Unless aggressive soil conditions are present or expected, installers should carefully consider whether sleeving or wrapping is necessary or prudent. In cases where it is necessary, installers should consider the following steps to ensure reliable installations and long-system life.
What is the purpose of an annular space around a copper tube?
An unfilled annular space around the tube can allow for the collection and concentration of ground water that is contaminated with salts or chemicals and can cause corrosion.
What happens if you leave a burr on a tube end?
A burr left on the inner diameter of the tube end can create an imperfect sealing surface where metal-to-metal contact is made with the flared, compression or packed joint. This can be easily avoided using a variety of reaming/deburring/ chamfering tools.
Can you use vibratory direct pulling on water lines?
In locations and environments where installation of the water service lines will not be effected by low temperatures (freezing) and depth, shallow vibratory direct pulling may be an acceptable option. Soil conditions must be conducive to vibratory plowing.
Can copper tube be bent?
As copper tube is uncoiled or rolled-out – or with trenchless methods of installation as the tube is pulled through the ground – the tube end can easily become out-of-round, oval, bent or dented. To make satisfactory, strong, reliable, leak-free joints, the installer should re-size and re-round the tube end using an appropriate resizing tool.
How to clean a pipe joint?
To clean the pipe, take your sand paper and sand the portion that’ll penetrate the fitting until it resembles this . As you could see, there are no more surface spottings and that’s exactly what we are looking for. Next is the fitting. You’ll wanna use a dedicated size brush for your fitting to get it cleaned, they most often arrive clean from the manufacture but it’s important to get the surface roughed up a bit just so the solder can adhere better.
Can you use a brush to clean solder fittings?
You’ll wanna use a dedicated size brush for your fitting to get it cleaned, they most often arrive clean from the manufacture but it’s important to get the surface roughed up a bit just so the solder can adhere better. Ask Question.
What is soldering made of?
Soldering is a process of joining different types of metals together. The solder itself is a metal alloy. It is typically made of tin or led , which is melted using a hot iron or torch. It is best to avoid lead solders, as they are toxic. This heat creates an electrical bond with the copper pipe.
What to do if your water pipe is dripping?
If your pipe continues to drip, you will need to turn off the water again. Then, open your faucets to drain the line once again. The difference this time is you will need to cut out the whole elbow. Although this may seem irrational, it may be your only option.
Can you solder a pipe if you don't try it?
You will want to dry the outside of the elbow thoroughly. If you do not fully try the pipe, then you will not be able to solder it because water and fire do not mix.
Can you heat solder while turning it?
You should have a pair of slip-joint plyers in your strong hand as well. If you have to remove the old solder, you can keep heating it while turning it with your plyers. This part can be a bit dangerous, so be careful when removing the old solder.
Can you turn water back on after soldering?
Let’s hope that your solder worked and that you stopped the leak! However, after you turn the water back on, you will want to check the pipes and watch them as the water runs through. If it appears to be leak-free, check again in a couple of hours.
Can you resolder copper pipe without removing it?
If you decide you want to re-solder a copper pipe, the best option is to do so without removing it from the wall. The only concern with this method is that you will need to use heat and avoid damaging anything around the pipe. The best method of re-soldering a copper pipe join without removing it is to simply drain the water, ...
