View Single Post
  #16   Report Post  
Posted to alt.home.repair
[email protected] clare@snyder.on.ca is offline
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 18,538
Default copper pipe soldering question

On Fri, 28 Mar 2014 11:14:08 -0400, H0m eGu y "H0m e"@Gu y.com
wrote:

Pico Rico wrote:

You are much better off cutting out the joint or the section you're
working with and then solder new copper pipe in its place.


well, I tend to agree, but it really depends on the existing
configuration and location. In this instance, zero possibility
of a fire, but cutting back further is more of a hassle.


Then it's just a matter of applying enough heat to melt the solder.

You will need to remove every last drop of water in the pipe, or you'll
never be able to apply enough heat to melt the solder.

If you can or if you need to, shove some rags or paper towels in the
pipe to soak up the water and then remove them.

Maybe drill a small hole right at the joint so water can drain out.

Is your problem getting the pipes disconnected?

Or are you asking how to re-connect or clean the surfaces once you've
got them apart? The answer to that is sand paper.

I prefer a damp rag. Heat to melt the solder, and a quick swipe
gives you a perfectly tinned clean surface for soldering. A bit of
"sal amoniac" on the rag helps if you want to get fancy.