by Zoe Mack

Created on: October 20, 2009

Soldering (otherwise known as sweating) copper pipes may look like a complicated and intimidating process, but with a bit of guidance and practice, it is a skill well within the abilities of the average homeowner. With some basic plumbing skills, small problems can be fixed without having to call a plumber, saving both time and money.

Before tackling "real" plumbing, it is always a good idea to practice on scrap pipes. Any older 1/2 inch copper piping will do, as long as it isn't bent or heavily painted. If you can't find old scraps of pipe to use, most home improvement stores sell shorter, inexpensive lengths of pipe you can use. You will also need the following, which can be found in the plumbing section of any hardware store:

* 1/2 inch copper fittings (T's and 90 degree elbows are common, inexpensive fittings to practice with.)

* Propane blowtorch (often handily available in a kit with solder and flux.)

* Lead-free solder (nearly all available solder is now lead-free, but check the label to be sure.) Avoid solder labelled "acid core" or "rosin core;" these are meant for applications like electronics. For plumbing, choose a thicker width of solder (something that looks more like a lollipop stick than a single strand of angel hair pasta.)

* Pipe cutter

* Wire brush for cleaning the inside of 1/2 inch fittings. This will look like a miniature bottle brush.

* Fine steel wool or plumber's "cloth" (sandpaper with a fabric back) for cleaning the outside of pipes.

* Flux (usually found right next to the solder on the store shelf.)

* Flux brushes

* An old rag for wiping off the joints.

* Safety glasses (never a bad idea, despite the fact that plumbers don't wear them.)

* Work gloves for handling hot pipes.

* A vise (or a helper with heavy work gloves and potholders...the pipe will be HOT) to hold your practice pipe while you solder the other end.

* Lighter or other source of ignition for the torch.


Now that you have assembled all your materials, you are ready to start practicing. Use the pipe cutter to cut off a section of pipe that is about 2 feet long. Proper preparation of your pipe and fitting is essential to getting a good bond, so make sure not to rush the following steps.

PREPARATION:

1. Clean out the inside of your pipe fitting with the wire brush. Make sure there is no debris or burrs inside the fitting.

2. Clean the outside of the pipe with the steel wool or sanding cloth, making sure that the cleaned section is slightly more than will actually be inserted into the fitting.

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