Many homeowners don't attempt to solder pipes for fear of difficulty of the task that lies ahead. For them, it's best to leave this type of home improvement to the professionals who have a lot of experience. However, this task can fairly be accomplished by anyone using the right set of tools and just some practice. It's also a very useful skill to possess when it comes to home repair and remodeling. After getting the supplies, in this case pipes and fittings, tools are the next priority. Most, if not all, of these items can be easily found in any store that sells plumbing supplies. In addition, they are not expensive at all.
The first thing that you need to get is a good torch. propane torches are the cheapest of its kind. A simple one will consist of a nozzle and valve which are connected to a disposable propane cylinder. If you are willing to pay a little extra, choose a type of propane torch that has a built-in lighter. It's worth the investment and it's easier since you no longer need matches or a spark striker to start the flames. Look for a good torch that uses MAAP gas because they tend to be hotter. This is particularly useful when you need to solder pipes with larger diameters and heavy valves. A tubing cutter works better than a hacksaw for cutting the pipes, simply for the neatness and precision of the cut. Next is a pipe cleaning tool. You can also make use of emery cloth or steel wool to clean but it will take longer and is a bit more difficult. The last on the list are acid-free flux or tinning flux, disposable brush and solder that doesn't contain lead.
The main purpose of soldering is to fill out any space, no matter how tiny, between fittings and pipes. Of course, this task is accomplished with the use of a liquid solder. Three main requirements exist for a perfect execution. These are clean joints, flux, and the right temperature.
When the pipe has been cut to your desired length, clean the end portion using a cleaning brush or abrasive. The fittings pipe should all be sparkling clean before the flux application. It's best to use a small stiff brush for the flux paste. This product contains chemicals which are harmful to the eyes and open parts of the body. Be extra careful in handling flux, read and understand the instructions. After this step, slide the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the bottom. The pipe must be rotated in order for the flux to spread out. Ensure that additional support is given to the pipe so that it can stay still throughout the entire soldering process. Try to prepare several joints at the same time before you start soldering. This is to avoid moving previous joint when you start to work on the next one, before it cools.
After cutting the pipe to the exact length needed, clean the end portion as well as the inside of the fitting. Ensure that they're all clean and shiny. Apply the flux to the end of the pipe and inside the fitting. Slip the pipe into the fitting completely. With the use of the torch, heat only the fitting and not the solder. When done properly, the solder shall be sucked quickly.
The first thing that you need to get is a good torch. propane torches are the cheapest of its kind. A simple one will consist of a nozzle and valve which are connected to a disposable propane cylinder. If you are willing to pay a little extra, choose a type of propane torch that has a built-in lighter. It's worth the investment and it's easier since you no longer need matches or a spark striker to start the flames. Look for a good torch that uses MAAP gas because they tend to be hotter. This is particularly useful when you need to solder pipes with larger diameters and heavy valves. A tubing cutter works better than a hacksaw for cutting the pipes, simply for the neatness and precision of the cut. Next is a pipe cleaning tool. You can also make use of emery cloth or steel wool to clean but it will take longer and is a bit more difficult. The last on the list are acid-free flux or tinning flux, disposable brush and solder that doesn't contain lead.
The main purpose of soldering is to fill out any space, no matter how tiny, between fittings and pipes. Of course, this task is accomplished with the use of a liquid solder. Three main requirements exist for a perfect execution. These are clean joints, flux, and the right temperature.
When the pipe has been cut to your desired length, clean the end portion using a cleaning brush or abrasive. The fittings pipe should all be sparkling clean before the flux application. It's best to use a small stiff brush for the flux paste. This product contains chemicals which are harmful to the eyes and open parts of the body. Be extra careful in handling flux, read and understand the instructions. After this step, slide the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the bottom. The pipe must be rotated in order for the flux to spread out. Ensure that additional support is given to the pipe so that it can stay still throughout the entire soldering process. Try to prepare several joints at the same time before you start soldering. This is to avoid moving previous joint when you start to work on the next one, before it cools.
After cutting the pipe to the exact length needed, clean the end portion as well as the inside of the fitting. Ensure that they're all clean and shiny. Apply the flux to the end of the pipe and inside the fitting. Slip the pipe into the fitting completely. With the use of the torch, heat only the fitting and not the solder. When done properly, the solder shall be sucked quickly.
About the Author:
Formerly nearly all solders contained lead, butPresident Obama has stated we have to take care of mother earth have increasingly dictated use of lead-free alloys for electronics and plumbing purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment