Don’t try to solder pipes with water in them
. When you’re repairing or tying in to existing copper pipes, it’s common to find a small amount of water in them even after you close the valve and drain the pipes. Soldering a joint in pipes that contain even tiny amounts of water is nearly impossible.
How do you get water out of a copper pipe?
What can you do if the pipes still contain water before soldering?
How do you fix a leaking copper pipe without solder?
Can you solder copper pipes without flux?
If there really was no flux then you have a “cold” solder joint
. The solder may stick in spots but it will not have “wicked” into the “sweat” joint properly and will not completely seal the joint.
Can you solder copper pipe with a propane torch?
Swab a little flux around the end of the tubing and inside the ends of the elbows and then push the joint together.
I used a common everyday, readily available propane torch to solder the copper tubing together
. You can get a cylinder of propane and the torch at any big box home improvement or hardware store.
How do I know if there is water in my copper pipe?
Clearly if you call for Hot or Cold water then they may change in temperature enough for you to tell. Otherwise, run the water, but
touch a screwdriver on the pipe with the other larger end in your ear and see if you can ‘hear’ the water running
.
How do I remove water from my pipes?
How do you suck water out of a pipe?
To siphon water, start by submerging one end of a hose or tube in the water you want to siphon out. Then, put the other end in your mouth and gently suck in. When the water is about halfway through the tube, remove the tube from your mouth and put it into an empty container lower than the original water source.
Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?
Overheating is a major problem when brazing or soldering copper pipe
because the flux will burn (become oxidized), stop working, and become a barrier to tinning. In addition, a heavy oxide can be formed on the pipe itself, preventing a bond from forming between the filler metal and the pipe surface.
How do you solder old copper pipes?
Will Flex Seal work on copper pipes?
Flex Seal will work on roofs, gutters, skylights, windowsills, flashings, downspouts, foundations, awnings, chimneys, vent pipes, RV’s, campers, trailers.
It can be applied to wood, copper and other metals
, concrete, masonry, glass, fabric, plastics and much more.
Does Flex Seal tape work on copper pipes?
Yes, you can use Flex Seal on your copper pipes
. Manufacturers say this product will work well on different surfaces, including copper. It will effectively seal the cracks on your pipes so you can get rid of those leaks right away.
Does JB water weld work on copper pipes?
At least two different brands on the market — JB Weld and Harvey’s Epoxy Putty — work equally well for the purposes of stopping leaks. Both adhere best to dry surfaces and are
effective for blocking small leaks in copper and galvanized steel pipe
.
Can I use petroleum jelly as flux?
Can You Use Vaseline as Flux?
Yes, Vaseline works just as well as commercial flux
, and you can even buy a generic brand. Petroleum jelly is primarily made from waxes and mineral oils so that it won’t corrode your components. Plus, it cleans away the gunk and eliminates metal oxides that could compromise your bond.
What can I use in place of flux?
Petroleum jelly
is the best effective alternative to commercial flux. Its waxes and mineral water ingredients make it antioxidant thas why you can easily use it as a soldering flux.
How do you use Vaseline as flux?
Can propane braze copper?
Brazing permanently joins two metals using a torch.
You can use a propane torch to braze most metals you want to join
. Propane torches are widely available in your local hardware stores, plumbing supply houses as well as at metalsmith and jewelry supply companies.
How do you braze copper with a propane torch?
Which solder is best for joining copper tubing?
What Type of Solder is Used for Copper Pipe?
Lead free solder
is best for copper pipes carrying drinking water. It will be free of elements you don’t want entering your drinking water. However it will require a higher melting point than a 50/50 solder.
What does a leaky copper pipe look like?
Pipe Discoloration: The exterior of your copper pipes should always look copper-colored. If you’re noticing
brown, green, or blue discoloration
, that’s an indication that the pipe is oxidizing in the presence of leaking water. Condensation: Like discoloration, the outside of your pipes should never be moist or wet.
How can you tell if a copper pipe is bad?
Old and corroded copper pipes can
become bulging in areas, change color to black or greenish brown, turn soft over time, have a musty and moldy smell
. These are all clear signs of decaying piping that need replacement ASAP.
How do you find a pinhole leak in a copper pipe?
The first sign you’ll probably see of pinhole leaks is
spots of discoloration on the walls or ceilings
. Mold and mildew appearing in odd places where there shouldn’t be water is also a warning. If you have multiple pinhole leaks, you may see a rise in your water bills.
What does plumber putty do?
Plumber’s putty is a malleable, clay-like compound that
creates a watertight seal by filling in the space under a flange to prevent water from seeping through
. The product is ideal for setting faucets, sink basket strainers, shower and pop-up drains.
How do you drain a frozen pipe?- Shut off the main water valve. …
- Drain pipes of water. …
- Force the water out. …
- Drain appliances. …
- Extra Protection: Pour anti-freeze into all sink and bathtub drains. …
- When you are ready to use the water again, turn on the main water valve and let each fixture run until the pipes are full.
How long does water run after shut off?
– If your water service has been shut off and recently restored, your pipes need to be flushed for
30 minutes
to ensure your safety. Water sitting stagnant in pipes may contain lead, copper and other sediments that are not safe for drinking and cooking.
