How to Solder Copper

[barrybukowski]

I can’t believe the price of a roll of solder these days.

Actually, I can’t believe the price of anything these days.

[creativesuit]

If you give the pipe a little bit of heat first it'll expand slightly inside the fitting holding it in place. Also a good technique when working with valves that are heat sensitive.

[addii]

you're the only plumbing guy I see that doesn't use a pro press lol. I've never done plumbing a day in my life. I watch you guys to try to learn something in case I have to do some work around the house. I appreciate all the knowledge you pass on.

[externalaffairsporter]

Everything you have said is very true I have been soldering pipe for over 30 years and no other way to do it than that way. Always let the pipe cool down naturally so you don't shock it. Heating
The fitting first allows the solder wick up through capillary action

[SpaceBear-fh]

Like the content, plumbers always do things differently, here in cali you’re supposed to heat the pipe up first, so that way you know for sure the part of the copper inside the fitting is hot enough. It’s taught here that heating the fitting first isn’t as effective because how thick the copper and fitting are together, you’ll burn the copper before getting the inside pipe to proper solder temps. We start at the pipe, then the lower part of the fitting, then the upper to encourage as much of the capillary effect as possible.

[RSKLove]

My dad is a precious metal smith and he taught me exactly what you said here. I always thought the our water lines were the most beautiful thing ever seeing the jewelry my dad made and knowing that my water will be brought to my family by me. ❤ love your channel broski! Keep it real!

[dennislinden]

The higher silver content, the stronger joint it will be. I think silverbrite is good to 300psi.

[adamhass]

I find that heating the pipe briefly prior to the fitting helps draw the heat into the fitting.

[SixTwoHemi]

I understand why you frown cleaning the pipe with flux but that’s how I was taught 27 years ago and it’s never failed me. That’s said I just subbed. Anyone that works in NYC or DC has skills

[allenbeasley]

Your videos are perfect my northern bro, I learn something new every time I watch your videos

[ProToolsApproved]

Thank you! I was taught to never put flux on AFTER you solder a joint. I see so many guys doing this. Drives me insane!

[michaelnelson]

Worked on a copper so-vent project in the early 70s as apprentice copper institute engineers supervising. We were instructed to always no matter the size of the pipe " heat the pipe first then move to to the fitting to prevent over heating the the fitting" . Then as normal locate the heat where you want the solder to travel

[rocketman]

I've always found that cooling the joint leads to a compromised solder joint not too far down the road. I always let them cool on their own, at very most wiill lay a semi wet rag on the pipe like 6 inches from the joint.

[rustyshakleford]

About 10 years ago I was at an estate sale for this guy who died and had like a fully kitted out machine shop in a old airplane hangar and there was a wooden box that said solder on it and I was the only bitter at $20 and I got a 25 lb roll of 1/8 stay bright 8 and about 50 lb of other assorted acid cores and solid wire solder. I even had some 100% pure Pb solder wire which I'd never seen before. I still have probably 10 lb of that state bright 8 and I use it on absolutely everything. You stick with one kind of solder and you get to learn it really well and I just love the way the stay bright 8 flows.

[edwincintron]

So….. here’s the right way….. heat pipe first BRIEFLY… then heat bottom of fitting and let the solder flow while pulling away the heat so not to burn the fitting. I ALWAYS have a spray bottle with a water vinegar mix to spray on after I …….. Yes, brush on some flux… spray and wipe clean. My joints are never green, dirty….. or leak!😉 But this guy puts up nice vids! Keep ‘‘ em coming broski…. Oh, and I love how you MIS Pronounce the word Solder!😂😂👍👍👍👍👍 nothing but love for my fellow plumbers

[sho-meaccountability]

I almost always use sterling as well. Over 30 years plumbing. Glad to see some of the young ones are still learning actual plumbing skills!

[jaimef]

Good advice I can used it ! I'm not plumber's I work as Handyman but this videos you posted are so helpful!❤👊👍👏👏

[josephzetina]

I always clean it with flux when its semi hot to get rid of any solder, then with a wet rag clean the flux off then the pipe will not turn green

[ivancolesnic]

I wasn’t impressed by this guy at first, but now I am very impressed. Good work man, I’d wish you that all your jobs are easy, but it looks like you have plenty of experience and that will overcome any bullshit situation.

[dirtbikenrcman]

An old guy taught me to double Flux. Heat solder then clean with Flux. Reheat then done.

I dont do it like that anymore if reapplying is needed the joint was already in trouble.

However cooling with a damp rag and cleaning while it's still hot is legit. Specifically because many of my joints are visible and adds to the presentation of clean work.