Which solder is best for joining copper tubing?

Lead free solder is best for copper pipes carrying drinking water. It will be free of elements you don’t want entering your drinking water. However it will require a higher melting point than a 50/50 solder.

How long will a soldered copper joint last?

Generally, if the joint holds for the first minute under pressure, it’ll hold for the next 500 years. Bending copper pipes a little to get an elbow to fit, in my view, wouldn’t compromise the quality of the solder joint you get.

Can you solder two pieces of copper together?

What you want to do is put the two pieces together and gradually heat them. Then put the solder one the copper right by the joint, don’t melt it with the torch itself. The solder should melt on it’s own just by holding it on the heated metal.

Why does my solder not stick to copper pipe?

The copper must be bright and shiny. Old pipes oxidize on the surface and turn dark- they won’t take solder even with flux. Also be careful heating the pipe too long with a torch. It will change the pipe and soften the copper.

Will a bad solder joint leak immediately?

Most of the time, if the joint is bad, they leak right away. However, there is always the exceptions to the rule. They make life interesting. I’ve seen joints that weren’t even soldered that held for a while.

How do you know if a copper solder joint is good?

A good solder joint should have an even band of solder showing all the way around. If you see an area that looks as if it needs more solder, brush a little flux onto the joint. If the joint is still warm, the flux will melt and flow into the void.

Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?

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. In addition, a heavy oxide can be formed on the pipe itself, preventing a bond from forming between the filler metal and the pipe surface.

Why is the solder not sticking to copper pipe?

If the solder is beading up or running down the pipe, you have a dirty fitting. Just as Vic says use clean fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth. Clean both surfaces, spread flux as soon as you clean them. Also clean and flux joint after you fit them together.

Can I solder copper pipe without flux?

Flux prevents the copper from oxidizing as you heat the copper with the torch. In addition, it prevents the pipe from oxidizing as you heat it. You can solder without flux, but it is really difficult! Flux is applied to both the pipe and the fitting with a handy miniature paint brush.

What is the best soldering flux for copper?

The best solder to use for tinning stranded copper wire is electrical-grade rosin-core solder. This is an acid-free solder that contains a flux in the core of the solder. Never use solder that contains acid, which can damage the wire or its insulation. Acid-core solder is intended for use in plumbing applications.

How do you solder copper tubing?

To solder copper pipe you must heat the copper pipe and the fitting to be soldered to a sufficient temperature. When the copper is hot enough, it will actually draw the solder into the joint by capillary attraction.

What are the different types of plumbing fittings?

Fittings are generally used in mechanical and plumbing operations for a number of different purposes. There are many different kinds of fittings, made from a variety of materials: some of the most common types are elbows, tees, wyes, crosses, couplings, unions, compression fittings, caps, plugs and valves.

What size is copper tubing?

In the plumbing trade the size of copper tubing is measured by its outside diameter in millimetres. Common sizes are 15 mm and 22 mm. Other sizes include 18 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm, 54 mm, 66.7 mm, 76.1 mm, and 108 mm outside diameters.