On Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:13:59 -0700, eselk wrote:

I'm redoing my shower, all 1/2" copper pipes. I've done two couplers, 1
elbow, and 3 threaded connectors... and they all went fine. Just one
other elbow had a small leak. I tried at least 10 times last night and
continue to have leaks. Maybe I just need to try again tonight with a
fresh mind, but...

One problem I've got now is that the two ends going in to the elbow have
solder on them. I've sanded them until smooth (they are still solder
color, but smooth, is that okay?) and used a new elbow, and did that a
couple times last night, but still no go. Is it okay to sand off the old
solder and keep trying this way, or do I really need to start with all new
pipe? It is easy to keep using new elbows, I've got plenty to spare...
but I can't really cut back the pipe, not without adding yet another
fitting (another coupler) which just seems like even more work, and
eventually I'll have it cut back to the slab and not be able to continue.

The elbow fits well, nice and tight, just like all the others I did, so I
have no idea why this one connection is giving me so much trouble. I did
only do one other elbow though, so maybe I just got lucky on that elbow.
Is there anything special you need to do when doing elbows? I've tried
doing one end at a time, and also tried heating in the middle of the elbow
and running the solder around both ends, one right after the other (while
still hot, so they both cool/ harden at the same time).

I've read a lot about soldering... but, how long do you need to wait
before testing? The pipe seems to cool pretty fast, so I've been testing
within 2 to 5 minutes, is that not long enough? I kind of wish I could
find an elbow with about 6" of pipe on each end, so I wouldn't have to
worry about messing up one end while working on the other.

eselk,

Take a file to the pipe to get the rest of the solder off or reheat it and
use a soldier wick to suck it off. You can get wicks in HD or somewhere
similar. A round file worked without alot of pressure should be fine also.

Most leaks are caused by the copper pipe not being hot enough when you
apply the solder. Otherwise not enough flux. Make sure you clean the ends
with sandpaper before applying any flux or solder.

Good luck,

--
coffee
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