Can you sweat copper upside down? Once you do several joints "upside down", it will be just as easy as doing it "right side up". Since you are using 1/2" pipe, it should take about 1/2" of solder to do the "upside down" side of the fitting.
Full Answer
How to sweat copper pipe?
How To: Sweat Copper Pipe. STEP 1: Check the pipe for burr and remove any that remains. Examine inside all cut copper pipes to ensure that the burr (a ridge of copper shards ... STEP 2: Cleaning the the mouth of each pipe with emery cloth. STEP 3: Apply a thin, even layer of flux to the pipes. STEP ...
What happens if you solder copper pipe too hot?
Unevenly heated copper could cause uneven melting of your solder and compromise your watertight seal. Test your fitting to verify proper soldering temperature. You do not want to overheat your pipe and you should avoid applying your torch directly to your flux or solder as well.
What should I do if my copper pipe is weak?
After cleaning the pipe, wipe away any grit with a clean rag. Cleaning the pipe removes oxidation buildup from the metal, which can cause a weak bond. If you are connecting to a valve or other fixture, be sure it is open so you don't melt or warp any internal seals.
How do you clean copper mating surfaces?
Cleaning is a two-step process—first, clean all corrosion off the mating surfaces (Photos 3 and 4), and second, coat the surfaces with flux (Photo 5), an acidic paste that chemically etches the copper.
Can I solder upside down?
Capillary action is the basic principle that makes possible strong and neat solder joints for copper tubing. This action is caused by heat. It draws the molten solder into the void between the pipe and fitting from any direction, even upside down.
How do you vertically sweat copper?
2:323:22Solder Vertical Copper Pipes for Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause you heat at the bottom the heat rises to the top and you don't have to heat the top too muchMoreBecause you heat at the bottom the heat rises to the top and you don't have to heat the top too much then remove all the excess flux that remains on the pipe.
Can you solder upwards?
Things You'll Need As melted solder is used to seal the joint, this means that its lower seam -- where the lower pipe end enters into the coupling -- must receive the solder by its being sucked up vertically into the joint.
Can you sweat copper?
0:001:57DIY Guy: How To Sweat Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut a thin layer on the pipe. And the fitting. And assemble your joint.MorePut a thin layer on the pipe. And the fitting. And assemble your joint.
Can you Resolder a leaking joint?
2:1710:37The CORRECT Way To Fix A Leaking Joint (UNSOLDERING) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI apply the solder. They both look very similar after they cooled down but as you could see the oneMoreI apply the solder. They both look very similar after they cooled down but as you could see the one without flux then adhere properly because of all the impurities.
How do you solder copper pipes upwards?
0:3113:48How to CORRECTLY Solder A Vertical Copper Pipe ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i'll be covering how to ensure it's done properly. The second reason is the heat heating theMoreSo i'll be covering how to ensure it's done properly. The second reason is the heat heating the joint properly on a horizontal joint is important. But even more important on a vertical. One.
Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?
If the metal being joined is too cool or too hot, tinning cannot occur. Overheating is a major problem when brazing or soldering copper pipe because the flux will burn (become oxidized), stop working, and become a barrier to tinning.
Can you Resweat copper pipe?
3:375:16How To DESOLDER Copper Pipe and RESOLDER Copper FittingsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo put your new fitting. On and then we just need to solder just a brief guide on how to solder thisMoreSo put your new fitting. On and then we just need to solder just a brief guide on how to solder this pipe we're going to heat it from the bottom okay heat the joint up from the bottom.
Can you solder copper to copper?
0:002:17How to Solder Copper To Copper with a Propane Torch and Hide the ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipButton. We are demonstrating how to solder a seam on two pieces of copper. You can add the flux coldMoreButton. We are demonstrating how to solder a seam on two pieces of copper. You can add the flux cold or after the copper has been heated with a flame or heat gun.
What do you need to sweat copper?
0:093:43How to Sweat Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll also need solder and flux the solder is a metal alloy that melts at a much lower temperatureMoreYou'll also need solder and flux the solder is a metal alloy that melts at a much lower temperature than the copper. So you can join the metals without melting the copper.
Can you solder copper with a soldering iron?
When soldering copper, you need to ensure that you place the tip of the iron at the place where the dislodged wire and where it is supposed to go meet. Hold the iron in place for a few seconds (until the solder starts to flow), then remove it before you apply too much heat to the copper.
Is sweating and soldering the same thing?
“Sweating” and “soldering” are synonymous terms used to describe the process of using heat and solder to join copper pipe and fittings to one another. You can tell your neighbor you're heading downstairs to “solder” a joint—but “sweating” makes you sound much more worldly and DIY hip.
How to sweat a copper pipe?
Having your equipment at the ready will ensure your pipe-sweating job goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. To properly sweat a copper pipe, you'll need: Copper connectors. Copper pipe. Insulated gloves (optional; recommended) Lead-free plumbing solder. Pipe cutter.
What is sweating a pipe?
Sweating a pipe is a slang term for soldering a pipe or joint for the purpose of sealing a new joint or mending a fault. This is a basic plumbing process frequently used in improvement projects.
How to test if pipe is ready for soldering?
You do not want to overheat your pipe and you should avoid applying your torch directly to your flux or solder as well. You can test to see if your pipe is ready for the solder by holding the solder to the pipe.
What is a type L copper pipe?
Type L, is medium walled, and is usually ideal for home use. Type K, is thick walled. Copper pipe fittings come in three basic types -. Category 1, for making bends or turns in your pipe. Category 2, for joining or branching pipe. Category 3, which includes couplings and adapters for your pipe. ...
Is flux safe to use on water pipes?
Protect yourself with gloves. Although flux for potable fixtures is specifically intended to be non-toxic to your drinking water, flux that has yet to be heat treated can be harmful if it gets in your eyes or any open cuts. You should wear gloves when applying flux to your pipe.
How to keep copper pipe from slipping?
Otherwise your joint will leak. Grip the copper tubing firmly in one hand and tuck one end under your knee to keep it from slipping while you tighten and rotate the cutter (Photo 1). Don’t tighten it too fast; you’ll dent the pipe and have to start over.
How long does it take to solder copper pipes?
Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes. The process is simple—if you follow a few basic guidelines. In this story we'll show you how to solder copper quickly and easily.
How to solder a joint with a propane torch?
Hold the solder against the joint on the side opposite the flame until it melts and flows into the joint. The joint should appear full on all sides. Move to the next joint. The solder hardens as it cools.
What to do when soldering wood?
Temporarily hang a flame protector cloth (opening photo) or a steel plate over wood and other flammable materials when soldering nearby. In any event, keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water handy in case you start a fire.
Where is the hottest point on a copper pipe?
The hottest point is at the tip of the cone, so hold the flame so that the tip just touches the fitting (Photo 6). It’s not necessary to heat the copper tube directly, because the fitting quickly conducts the heat to the tube inside the joint.
How much heat do you need to solder brass valves?
Be patient when soldering brass valves. The fitting may require five to six times as much heat to raise the joint to the solder melting point. Heat the joint from several sides if possible. Always leave valves at least partially open when soldering them.
How to join two pieces of copper pipe together?
In order to join two pieces of copper pipe together, you must use a sleeve or other fitting which has an inside diameter that matches the outside diameter of the pipe. You can pick up elbows, caps, tees, valves, couplers, and other fittings at your local DIY center.
What is soldering copper pipes?
Soldering pipes (called sweating) is the standard way to join two or more pieces of regular copper pipe together. A solder joint forms a strong, watertight seal that will last for decades or longer when done properly. In fact, a proper solder joint is less likely to leak than the rest of the copper pipe, which can develop pinhole leaks do ...
How long does it take for a soldering torch to heat up?
Be careful to hold the torch in a consistent way. Point the flame directly at the joint. The joint will heat up after about 20-60 seconds. Note that if you’re soldering a valve, it’s better to open the valve to reduce the risk of damage to the valve. Touch the solder to the crease between the fitting and the pipe.
How to test solder joints?
The only good way to test is to put pressure on the joint (turn on the water to the house). Be sure to wait until the solder has cooled (2-3 minutes) before pressurizing the line to avoid the solder cracking due to a quick change in temperature.
How big is a copper water pipe?
Most water pipes in a house are between 3/8″ and 3/4″ in diameter. Main water lines are as large as 1-inch, while small lines (e.g., to a refrigerator icemaker) could be as small as 3/8-inch. The nominal diameter of a pipe is always 1/8 inch less than the outside diameter. Copper Pipe wall sizes vary with the size of the pipe such that the inside diameter is always approximately the nominal width. Copper water pipe is sold in three different wall thicknesses (K, L, M), and can be rigid or soft pipe. Sizes.com has a great article on copper pipe basics for more information.
Can solder joints leak?
In fact, a proper solder joint is less likely to leak than the rest of the copper pipe, which can develop pinhole leaks do to chemical erosion. For many homeowners the thought of plumbing anything is quite daunting. We all envision our basements or living areas filling up with water due to some error or oversight in our work.
