How to solder a LEAD-FREE ball valve | GOT2LEARN

Join my plumbing forum for FREE!

Amazon affiliate links to all the products I used in this video:

DISCLAIMER: Got2Learn is NOT responsible for any damage done to a property of which the plumbing wasn't done by a professional, I do not recommend doing your own plumbing if you are unsure about what you are doing, always hire a LICENSED contractor when doing any type of plumbing so you can be covered by insurances if something does happen, these videos are for entertainment purposes only!

[joshcowart]

I think the most important lesson about soldering valves is always crack the valve open a bit. Obviously if the water is on to one side this doesn’t apply. If you don’t do this the air inside the ball will expand and pop the valve and it will never work again. I’ve heard some manufacturers say to close the valve but for many years I didn’t know this and have never had an issue as long as I cracked the valve open just enough to let that pressure escape. It seems like sweat valves are like gate valves. 1 in 10 are likely not to work. This is why I prefer threaded valves. They’re less likely to get damaged and if you do have to change it, you don’t have to worry about residual water and trying to sweat the old valve off. You can just screw it off and screw the new one on.

[AaronPowellvox]

I have soldered a lot of valves but it’s been a while and I wanted to brush up before I soldered another one so I watched your long form video of this and followed your instructions to the tee. The only thing I had a problem with was the valve at the street wouldn’t shut all the way so I had to put 3/8 vinyl tubing on my shop vac and stick it in the pipe to vacuum the water out then really quickly solder the joint before water reached the joint again. Crazy stuff but your tips on what materials to use like the proper flux and solder really helped it go smoothly. Thanks bro.

[FastidiousFlynn]

Got2Learn:
Thank you so much for your videos. Without a doubt, your content is the most valuable plumbing information on YouTube.

I just installed a shower valve (and associated tubing): 12 solder points with zero leaks. THANK YOU!

[richardgraham]

I was taught to disassemble all valves before soldering. The ball valve is going to take longer to heat up, therefore should be heated first. Also keep your torch moving to prevent burning.

[evancox]

You make excellent content, I have learned a ton about soldering pipe with your videos. I’ve added valves to all the sinks in my house and moved some plumbing in my bathroom(all copper), wouldn’t have been possible without your videos

[akbychoice]

Clean, flux, fit, wipe off excess flux, heat pipe, heat valve, apply solder the length of the diameter of the pipe.

[sbeemer]

Way to do it brother. I’ve seen many heat that brass too quick and without the copper getting quite hot enough which causes the solder not to adhere between the two which then causes a leak, I had to learn the hard way, long time ago, just couldn’t figure out why it would leak sometimes. I sure miss the 50/50 solder, it was like melting candle wax. Lol

[davidwilliam]

Good video, with good concise information on the topic being presented.

[johnfriedmann]

One extra thing I do is be sure to clean and flux the face edge of the valve. It makes the solder seal the face, mounding up slightly like a brazed joint.

[dembonesTV]

i will add that the mechanical cleaning process is way more important on this type of joint vs copper/copper or copper/leaded brass. flux must be clean and the right chemistry as well

[stagehits]

Another tip is to use a pair of pliers or mole grips on the valve seat. It'll suck the heat away and prevent the nylon valve seat from melting.

[MishaKeselman]

Did I owe you one you save me so much money on a plumber with your channel

[laker]

I have seen many master plumbers never deburr the inside of the pipe. It's wrong but it never gets done.

[jodymontez]

I worked at Trane commercial units for 13 years and learned to braze copper and weld.

[Energia-]

This is the only vid on yootoob that shows how to do this in the correct way!👍👍

[andrewyoussef]

👍 Really love all your vids man. Keep’em coming. Can you do a video on different types of copper & PVC fittings. For instance, explaining the difference between a 90°, copper elbow and a 90° copper elbow Street fitting. Thank you!

[alec]

Use tinning flux and solder for lead free fitting

[blueberrychronic]

No, hear the hub first in this case because it's a thick piece of brass and will take longer to heat up than the pipe.
Also when soldering brass you need to use tinning flux otherwise you will have corrosion down the road

[_JohnRedcorn_]

I realize this is for demonstration purposes but you also don’t need to keep dabbing the solder to the pipe once it’s made that penetration. If solder starts pooling or dripping at the bottom then you’ve got too much

[terrelmchenry]

I HAVE HAD TO SOLDER IN BALL VALVES THAT WERE 2.5 "...I WAS REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THE SEATS BUT IT TURNED OUT REALLY GOOD...