Pipe soldering

Latest Articles

Pipe soldering

Downsizer Forum Index -> Energy Efficiency and Construction/Major Projects

Author

Message

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 10:28 am Post subject: Pipe soldering

Here's a little tip I learned watching a gas fitter. When soldering copper pipes a solder drip often forms at the lowest point and this looks unsightly when set.

To make a neater joint simply wipe over the joint, before the solder set, with a damp cloth. Be carful to not touch the hot pipes!

I'm not sure if this helps improve the joint at all but I would give it an 8/10 for leaving a professional neat & clean finish.

mrutty

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 1578

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 11:26 am Post subject:
It must be a slightly damp cloth and a fast wipe as not to cool the pipe down too quickly and cause a dry joint that could leak. Always buy pre soldered pipe joints if your not confident. Clean, flux and add solder as normal but you should end up with a much stronger joint.

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28239
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 11:49 am Post subject:
I generally go for the pre-soldered ones. I am sure when you do it daily they are completely unneeded, but leaks are such a pain, that a few pence extra on the joints is well spent. jema

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 12:19 pm Post subject:
Strange, I tend to prefer the end feed ones now, a decent bit of flux and a good flame (I could do with a better flame) and they seem easier than solder ring to me. I also note when the fitter used solder ring fittings they also used a little extra solder on the joint. When the experts wipe the joint they hardly touch the pipe and a quick one, two and it's done.

jema
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28239
Location: escaped from Swindon

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 1:12 pm Post subject:
I must confess not to having done enough joints for an informed comparison. Certainly not a side by side one. It just looks like it should be better I suppose, makes me think of convenience food analogies.... must go out and buy some Yorkshire pudding mix jema

lazzasurf
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:04 pm Post subject:
hello... well i am a gas fitter and i always wipe the solderd joint with a 1/2" brush dipped in flux. i would advise against using a damp cloth because it could cool the joint down to quick and cause thermal shock of the joint, cracking the joint between pipe and solder.

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:14 pm Post subject:
Register then, I'm sure we could all use advice from a gas fitter! I know I could!

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:14 pm Post subject:
Is the wiping with the brush dipped in solder done to leave a neat finish or do anything else? I can always amend the tip. (I have seen two different gas fitters use a damp cloth, must be something they do down these parts )

lazzasurf

Joined: 01 Jan 2005
Posts: 30
Location: wolverhampton

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 10:52 pm Post subject:
registerd..im in.... yes it is for cosmetic reasons, aswell as to be able to see the clean joint to ensure a good all round run was made.

Blacksmith

Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Posts: 5025
Location: Berkshire

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 8:21 am Post subject:
Just read this thread and noticed no one has mentioed the use of lead free solder for potable water, (and boss green or equivalent for compression fittings) Dave.

	Downsizer Forum Index -> Energy Efficiency and Construction/Major Projects	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

View Latest Posts