Hence wanting to make it a solder connection if possible, although
know what you mean - might be difficult to get a dry piece of pipe
to start on - here's hoping! :-)

Some people would suggest the "bread" technique. This basically means shove
a bit of bread up the pipe to dry the pipe out. Then solder. The bread
quickly degrades and is "potable".

In my case, however, I've had perfectly acceptable results without
bothering. I use a good proper sized torch, though. Not a little taymar
intended for paint stripping. Obviously, get as much water out as possible
first.

Christian.