Need some help with the finer points of soldering copper pipe. Specifically, what’s the best way to get joints apart, assuming you plan to reuse the fittings. Second, is there a trick to re-soldeing the old fittings? I can’t seem to get the new solder to flow into the old joints. Before putting them back together, I sand them smooth enough that they slip together, and I use flux.
Replies
When solder won't take...
While it's hot, dab a little more flux on it. It will bubble and smoke and singe the brush a little, but it works. Solder it right away.
To take em apart...
I grab the tubing with a pliers (not too hard) and pull on it as I heat the fitting.
Don't squeeze too hard with the pliers as the coper is very soft when it's hot.
This operation is a last resort. It's best to just cut out the bad section and redo it.
Hope this helps.
- WebTrooper -
"If at first you don't succede, try and try again."
you should not re use copper parts the pieces are cheap much cheaper than the time to clean them well enough clean your new parts well and apply flux liberally I prefer to use mapp gas rather than propane it is much hotter and faster
Situation is I have a cutoff valve in a water softner loop that needs to be replaced. New valve, old pipe. Can't afford to replace all the pipe and fittings, so there has to be an "old" connection somewhere.
I can't see why you need to re-use fittings. I thought maybe you were working in Siberia or something - or maybe just curious - with my previous answer. If you can't remove the shutoff, and possibly a little bit of pipe, and replace it, then you should call a plumber. I'd be surprised if it cost over $85 (but don't hold me to that) and you save yourself a big headache over a minor repair.
- WebTrooper -
"A firm belief in distribution of labour"
As cheap as I am, could not agree with VH more on this subject - been there, done that -etc. Spending 15 minutes with sandpaper or steel wool to save 19 cents is not my idea of fun anymore.
However, that said, for pricey fittings, wire brush vigorously (preferrably wrap around both sides with od & inernal brush in drill) the HOT molten solder with lots of flux and you will ultimately gain success.