Renovation Road Trip: Soldering Copper Pipe Fittings with DIYdiva

The third stop in ourRenovation Road Tripbrought us to Michigan, where we met the wonderful Kit fromDIYdiva。由于她是最多的几天，套件已经排队了一些不同的项目，这对我们来说是艰难的，如果不是不可能的话，任何人都可以自己处理。然而，最终，这是一个需要专有技术，而不是人力的项目，我们能够为其提供帮助。

Two 1/2″ copper supply lines needed to be capped after removing theJacuzzi tub从她的浴室。

The existing gate valves were leaking a drop of water every few seconds. Sometimes this happens during the soldering process if the washer deforms. Other times the washer simply degrades with age. This wasn’t an emergency, but it wasn’t good either.

The challenge did provide Kit with the perfect opportunity to buy some newtools。At the local hardware store, we helped pick out the best fittings and tools to have on hand during a soldering project, lessening the likelihood of an emergency return visit to the store.

在用焊剂，焊料和预备工具（铁丝管/配件清洁剂，铰孔工具，酸刷），以及各种配件，这总是一个好主意。也许最重要的配件是携带的最重要的配件是帽子，而且只是这种场合。

When it comes totorches, I prefer the kind that ignite and lose power with a push button; they are the safest and easiest to work with. (I’m also partial to using MAAP gas instead of propane—it’s more expensive but burns hotter, so it works more quickly.)

The first step when sweating pipes is to clear water from the work area. We turned off the main water supply and drained water from the pipes to accomplish this. Working in the upstairs bathroom, it was easy to let out a little water by turning on the sink in the downstairs bath. We could actually see the water empty out of the supply lines as Meryl turned on the water downstairs.

Next, we prepped the pipe and fittings for soldering. Kit used her brand new brush to prep inside of the caps and outside of the pipe. The goal here is to get fresh, clean-looking copper.

Using an acid brush, coat both mating surfaces with a medium coat of flux. Place the cap over the end of the pipe.

Now you’re ready to solder! Focus the heat to the fitting (but you might also want to give a little attention to the pipe, especially if it’s a larger one). Since we were capping a little ½” line, the heat went all the way around the pipe and fitting pretty easily.

With 1/2″ pipe and MAAP gas, the flux should start to smoke within 20 seconds, which indicates that it’s time to apply solder. How do you know if it’s hot enough? Remove the heat and touch the solder to the joint. If it melts easily, you’re all set to move forward.

Turn your torch away from the pipe and apply the solder to the side opposite the heat.

The solder should melt and be drawn into the fitting. Move the solder around the pipe to ensure it penetrates into the fitting on all sides.

Then spray a little water and carefully use a thick rag to wipe the excess solder and flux away from the joint to make it look sparkling. As you get more practice, you’ll waste less solder and produce professional-level joints far more quickly.

Kit is always someone who is eager to learn a new trick or trade, so we were happy to lend our plumbing know-how to her tool belt. Two stops down, two more to go. Time to hit the road!

阅读每一个调度的Renovation Road Tripright here。

For more on plumbing, consider:

How To Solder Copper Pipe Fittings
10 DIY Pipe Fitting Projects (No Plumbing Required)
Everything You Need to Know About Winterizing Pipes