How to Solder a Ball Valve to Copper Pipe

In this video I demonstrate how to properly solder a brass or bronze ball valve to copper pipe. This process works for all solder (also known as sweat) ball valves, both lead free and leaded.

[arlenem]

Nice job, but you should also mention the two different kinds of flux. (Potable and non-potable). Also you forget to reinstall the washer back under valve nut.

[place_desjardins]

When I soldered copper pipes to a shower diverter, it took awhile to heat up. I moved the flame around to heat up the opposite sides.

[Billvagsayer]

Everyones a "pipefitting cowboy" on the internet. Some manufacturers recommend sweating the ball valve in the closed position.

[jeremyputman]

Don't forget that washer that is leaning on the vice.

[alonzowolfmgmt]

You explained that very well Good job bro✅💯

[arcadion]

Whether the ball valve should be closed or not when soldering is dependent on the manufacturer. Need to check that first.

[vladbagdasarov]

You're not supposed to add solder with the flame off the female end, it defeats the capillary suction.

[navigator]

The flame still seems to be very close to the ball valve. Does simply pointing the flame AWAY from the ball valve make the difference between damaging it and not damaging it? How about the other type of shut off valve, i.e., the type that has black rubber seals inside? If the seal/handle screws out as a unit, should it be removed before heating? And in situations there the black rubber seal unit can't be removed, what is the closest to the shut off valve that the flame can be applied to a copper pipe WITHOUT risking damaging the seal?

[tomkelly]

Was that enough solder? I use way more but maybe too much

[logan]

Shouldnt touch the cleaned copper before applying flux with your bare fingers.

[smokeyj]

Hard to watch stop removing the flame before it’s ready won’t hurt the solder

[Tierone]

I soldered but solder wasn’t sticking

[virgonet]

Solder end ball valves should be installed with the valve in a closed position. Extreme care must be used to prevent overheating of the valve causing damage to seats and seals

[tytar]

You shouldn’t touch the copper with your fingers once prepped. I’m sure you know that!