The installation of a copper plumbing system is similar to the installation of any household plumbing, such as, for example, from or metal-plastic. However, one of the key issues - how to solder copper pipes for water supply - requires detailed consideration.
Modern technologies provide a wide selection of materials for plumbing work: various types of plastic, steel, copper. They are distinguished by physical properties, cost, installation features and application possibilities, but it is impossible to name the best or worst material. Copper pipes for water supply are expensive, require more attention to operation, however, they are versatile, environmentally friendly and reliable, and are also convenient for self-assembly.
This article is not just about how to solder copper pipes yourself, but also how to make this process as conscious and professional as possible.
Installation of a water supply system from copper pipes
Installation of a water supply system or the installation of a water supply system or heating from other materials is not much different.
The first stage requires a well-thought-out layout of the entire route, with well-calibrated corners and connections. Recall: the scheme must include a mandatory connection to the pipes of the main riser through ball valves, metering devices, additional outlets for future plumbing.
Copper piping
Selection of types and sizes of pipes: annealed and unannealed, with 3/8 or 3/4 threads, with walls of various thicknesses: K, L, M. The weight of a copper pipe may depend on such parts, and therefore the entire structure of the water supply system as a whole, however, the essence of editing will not change as a whole.
The choice of technology for connecting copper pipes: soldering or squeeze fittings. The choice is always up to the consumer, but let us briefly note: the reliability of the connection of the squeeze fittings is not distinguished by high rates.
It requires constant monitoring, and the fittings require systematic tightening, while brazing copper water pipes means providing them with long-term and indispensable tightness.
The main difference is the way copper pipes are connected using soft solder: it requires certain skills and equipment.
Soft soldering technology
Before soldering copper pipes, a few words of theory are needed: if the soldering process is more conscious, then many subtleties will become clear in the course of the work.
In everyday life and when installing plumbing systems in apartments, the so-called "low-temperature", "soft" soldering is used: the soldering points are heated to 250-300 C, which allows the soft solder (usually tin) to melt, however, these temperatures are dangerous for copper pipes, therefore exposure should be directed and short-lived.
Soft Solder Copper Water Pipes
Cleaning pipes immediately before brazing is not a simple aesthetic manipulation, but a prerequisite that allows you to get rid of oxidation products on the metal and maximize the adhesion of materials.
With soft soldering, a capillary effect occurs, in which the molten soft solder for brazing copper pipes evenly spreads over the entire surface of the joint, regardless of whether the pipe is in horizontal or vertical position.
The recommended gap between the walls of the pipe and the fitting is strictly set - 0.1-0.15 mm: a larger distance requires a larger amount of solder or will not give a capillary effect at all, a smaller one will create an unnecessary obstacle to the spreading of the solder.
DIY tools and materials for installing copper pipes
copper pipe brazing torch is the key equipment for brazing. There are a variety of types of burners, it is advisable to stop the choice on a gas burner with a piezo ignition and a nozzle for adjusting the flame.
- Solder for brazing copper pipes - usually tin in the form of rods or coils of wire.
- Flux for brazing copper pipes is a paste that is used to coat the surface of pipes and fittings in order to dissolve oxide films on the surface of the parts to be joined, protect copper from oxidation as a result of heating, and provide moistening of the surfaces at the moment the solder dissolves.
- Copper pipe cutter - copper pipe cutting tool
copper pipe expander - a tool for increasing the diameter of copper pipes when mounting parts one into another. - Chamfering tool - a tool for chamfering, getting rid of material from possible burrs.
- Fittings are connecting pieces of various configurations.
- Steel brush and brush for cleaning the inside and outside of fittings and pipes.
DIY tools for soldering copper pipes
Equipment for brazing copper pipes is not expensive and exclusive. But it will take some effort in order to get confident skills in its use: it is advisable to practice on pipe cuttings in order to understand the intricacies of technology and methods.
Step-by-step instructions for soft soldering copper pipes
This is important: the edge of the pipe and the pipe itself must be perfectly straight and even - the quality of the connection of parts depends on this, therefore, it is advisable to use a pipe cutter to cut pipes.
Step 1. Using a pipe expander, increase the diameter of the fitting, using a beveller, smooth out the edges of the pipe.
Step 2. Polish the outside of the pipe with a brush, and the inside of the fitting with a brush.
Step 3. Apply a paste for soldering copper pipes - flux - to the pipe and fitting with a special brush and immediately connect the parts, avoiding the ingress of any kind of contamination or foreign objects.
Step 4. With a gas torch for brazing water supply copper pipes, gently heat the joint, acting over the entire surface. An indicator of good heating is a change in the color of the soldering flux.
Brazing process of copper water pipe
Step 5. Having stopped heating the surfaces to be joined, apply solder for brazing copper pipes around the entire perimeter of the joint. The fire of the burner must not touch the solder wire: the tin must melt on the copper surface from its high temperature without direct exposure to fire.
Step 6. Wait for natural and complete cooling of the part - without additional means for rapid cooling.
Step 7. Be sure to remove the remaining flux paste from the surface with a damp cloth. Its effect is necessary only during soldering: it destroys the protective layer of copper parts.
The seam at the point of adhesion of the parts must be even and tight. It will be possible to check the result obtained only when a sufficient water pressure in the water supply is turned on, however, if the soldering was successful, the reliability of the seam does not decrease at all with time, possible pressure drops or water temperature.
Appearance of a Correctly Soldered Copper Pipe
Installation of copper pipes with pipes of other materials
There are several important points related to the possibilities of installing copper pipes with pipes of other materials:
- Compounds of copper and brass, copper and plastic and copper and steel are non-hazardous and non-corrosive to materials.
- The installation of galvanized steel and copper can adversely affect the condition of the galvanized steel pipe: chemical processes between copper and zinc lead to the destruction of zinc.
Therefore, if there is a need to connect galvanized and copper pipes, then it is possible only through a brass fitting and only in one direction: along the flow of water from a galvanized pipe to a copper one.
Corrosion of galvanized pipe due to improper soldering with copper
For domestic water supply in Russia, this is a possible way out: almost always the central water supply uses steel or galvanized steel, so copper plumbing in an apartment can be purchased without a doubt.
Copper pipes are connected to steel or plastic pipes only using brass squeeze fittings. The main fastening of the system is carried out through the clamping nut and clamping ring of the fitting: they are tightened at the standard speed prescribed in the technical documentation of the fitting, and must be regularly checked during operation for looseness and possible leaks.
Copper pipe myths
Due to the lack of a habit of copper as a material for heating systems, water and gas supply, modern Russian consumers have a distrust of this material. There are two myths:
- Plumbing copper pipes are expensive and impractical despite the high price tag. Impracticality is associated with possible oxidation on the outside of the pipes, while copper pipes also oxidize from the inside, but they are absolutely not subject to corrosion. The higher cost of copper pipes can be more than offset by the ease of installation and durability of materials.
- Copper pipes are dangerous when combined with chlorinated water. Undoubtedly, copper, reacting with chlorine particles, oxidizes, however, the film formed inside the pipes, on the contrary, protects the pipes from additional chemical influences and is safe for the human body.
However, these myths are destroyed by many years of practice. It is no coincidence that this material was used in plumbing systems several millennia ago, and until now, in European countries, copper enjoys well-deserved recognition.
The use of pipes made of copper and its alloys no longer looks like something unusual in the arrangement of modern heating systems: in this way, water and gas pipelines, modern air conditioning systems and refrigeration units of various types are increasingly equipped. When carrying out installation work, it is important to know how to properly solder copper pipes.
How copper pipes are connected
When forming permanent joints from products of this type, soldering is mainly used. This long-known method of joining copper products is realized by saturating the contact zone with a special melted adhesive solution - solder.
When studying how to solder copper pipes, it is important to remember that for a reliable welding contact, the melting point of the solder should only be slightly inferior to that of the pipes being connected. When soldering a copper pipeline yourself, it is important to be especially careful. It is best to study well the technology of how to weld copper pipes before this.
Advantages of the welded method of connecting copper pipes
Copper welded joints have received many positive reviews for their reliability, which makes them even more popular.
Among the most significant positive qualities of copper soldering are the following:
- Welded copper products are very strong and durable.
- Copper is one of the easiest and most affordable materials to process.
- The welding contact has a very significant scope for choosing the most suitable conditions - the so-called. "Welding mode adjustment".
- Soldering the connection without the need for standard adapters and fittings. Thus, significant savings in finances are achieved when organizing a heating system.
What kind of soldering is, and what tool is needed
Carrying out special operations for welding pipes of different sections, the following temperature conditions are mainly used:
- High temperature... Provides for thermal heating of the melting area up to +900 degrees. Usually, workpieces under constant loads are soldered in this way.
- Low temperature... This mode is especially suitable for home use. The operating temperature along the contact line usually does not exceed +450 degrees in this case.
In order for the process of connecting pipes by soldering to be as comfortable as possible, for this you will need the following tool:
- A special grip-pipe cutter, to obtain an even cut of the pipe at the place of its future docking.
- Equipment for chamfering and deburring.
- A special expansion device, with the help of which the docking site of the required depth is prepared. This indicator is usually correlated with the diameter of the abutting pipes.
- Welding machine or gas torch. They serve as a tool for brazing copper pipes.
- A thermal hair dryer that quickly heats up the joining areas up to +650 degrees. It is used in cases where the work is carried out with low-melting solder. This welding and heating device makes it possible to achieve simple observance of the required temperature regime at the place of soldering, with the possibility of maintaining it within the required limits. As a rule, the set of the device includes replaceable nozzles, which make it possible to direct hot air strictly to the desired section of the pipeline.
Solders for soldering at home
This name is used to refer to solders with a high level of refractoriness. Outwardly, they look like long rods with an arbitrary profile, which is very convenient when the metal is heated directly in the soldering area to a temperature of +900 degrees.
As for the so-called. "Soft" solders, then they are used for low-temperature processing of copper products at home. Most often they look like very thin wires made on the basis of tin, lead, zinc and their alloys. This form of solder is very convenient when deciding how to solder copper pipes at home.
How to properly solder using flux
In order to solder copper pipes yourself, it is important to make this process as simple as possible. Especially for this, the use of special pasty or liquid substances called fluxes is practiced.
With the help of these chemicals, the following goals can be achieved:
- Before welding the copper tube, harmful oxides and other substances that interfere with the quality of the connection are removed from the soldering zone.
- The work area receives additional protection from oxygen exposure, which is usually abundant in the environment. This prevents the substances used for soldering from entering into chemical reactions that are unnecessary in this case.
- Fluxes are very convenient for creating the most suitable conditions, allowing the solder to be distributed as evenly as possible over the entire joint area. As a result, the copper connection receives the necessary resistance to thermal and vibration effects, which protects it from the appearance of gaps and leaks.
- The degree of adhesion of the copper pipe and solder, due to the components contained in the flux, reaches the required quality level. This is especially important if the line is experiencing rupture effects.
Compliance with the required temperature during operation allows the heated solder to uniformly cover all parts of the workpieces to be joined, which ensures the required degree of reliability for the connection. When the soldering zone has cooled down, it is cleaned of all excess solder.
Brazing copper pipes in a water supply network is a standard method for joining two or more pieces of ordinary copper pipe together. The solder joint (seam) forms a strong, watertight hydraulic seal that will last for decades or longer if done correctly. In reality, the correct seam of the solder is less likely to leak than the rest of the copper pipe, in which a tiny hole allowing leakage can lead to chemical erosion.
For many homeowners, the thought of doing any plumbing soldering work seems daunting enough. We all foresee that our basements or living quarters may fill with water due to some mistake or oversight in our own work. The point is that basically soldering, including sealing pipes as described in this article, is a relatively straightforward job that any interested homeowner can safely do with just a few specialized tools.
This article covers the basics of brazing copper pipes. If you are looking for additional information, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with this and other topics in more detail.
How to solder copper pipes
Before soldering copper pipes, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the theory of what these materials are and what options are used in engineering communication networks. Most of the water pipes in the house are 3/8 "threads; and 3/4 "in diameter. The main pipes for water supply are 25.4 mm, while small structures (for example, to the refrigerator-ice maker) can be as small as 9.5 mm. The nominal diameter of the product is always 3.2 mm smaller than the outer diameter. The dimensions of the wall copper pipe vary according to its size so that the inner diameter is always the approximate nominal width. Copper plumbing pipes are sold in three different wall thicknesses (with the designation K, L or M), and can be hard or soft.
In order to connect two pieces of copper pipe together, a coupler or other types of fittings such as a tee must be used. They have an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter. The tee and the valve fit closely to the copper pipe and are designed to be soldered to it. In order to connect two structures instead of three, a coupling should be used, not a tee.
How to choose solder for copper pipes
The list of tools and materials for standard soldering is not so long and complex. These can be easily found in your own inventory or at a plumbing supply store.
1. Plumbing soldering (not lead-based). Solder for copper pipes is sold in the form of wire or rods. It melts at a lower temperature than copper, making it suitable for joining two copper pipes when heated.
2. Cleaning brush. Used to clean the inside of fittings and pipes from the outside to prepare them for brazing. A fine abrasive cloth can be used as an alternative, but this tool will make the task easier.
3. Small propane torch and welding changeover mechanism. Used to heat pipe and fitting for connection.
4. Soldering flux. Used to coat pipes and fittings to prepare them for brazing.
5. Fine abrasive cloth for plumbing. Used for grinding pipes.
6. Heat resistant gasket.
7. Copper pipe and fittings.
Advice: Brazing is an alternative joining method and contributes to an even higher seam strength. The braze seams are achieved more by the different filler metals (such as the higher tough brazing alloys BCuP or BAg) rather than the brazed joints themselves, however these alloys require significantly more heat to reach the melting point. You can even find soldered joints, for example, on a refrigeration pipeline, but brazing is not necessary in most residential plumbing.
Cooking solder for soldering copper pipes and surfaces
This guideline does not apply to soldering a seam that is already part of a household plumbing. However, if you intend to work in such an environment, these steps are very important. Regardless of the environment, you should always take precautions to protect the area where the propane torch will heat the pipe.
Remember that the solder for brazing copper pipes is prepared in advance in accordance with the instructions attached to it.
Turn off the tap water in your home by opening the bottom-most valve (such as a communal drain in your basement) to drain all the water. The water in the joint will prevent the pipe from heating up and will cause it to fail. It may also be necessary to open the pipe on the top floor of the house to reduce the vacuum pressure.
Disconnect all PVC plumbing systems from adjacent copper (newer homes may have PVC to copper piping). You will have to work with a propane burner that has a flame temperature of up to 1000 ° C, so protect objects around the entire seam area from heat. Make sure there is no flammable material nearby and that you put a heat shield between the burner and flammable materials such as wood spacers. A partner's help may be helpful.
Provide adequate ventilation in the work area, open doors and windows, and try turning on the fan. Do as much work as possible on the workbench. If you are making multiple seams, work them outside the plumbing system as much as possible.
Brazing technology for copper pipes
Brazing technology for copper pipes involves cleaning the surfaces as a first step. Using a brush, clean the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting. After that, they must be completely cleaned of dirt, and a shine should appear on them.
Grind the pipe and fitting (small metal particles on the surfaces can prevent an easy connection). Try to dry the piping fittings so that they attach easily, and if they do not fit lightly and tightly enough, clean the surface further away using a brush or fine sandpaper (as shown below).
After the fitting has dried successfully, peel off the pipe and fitting and apply tap water soldering flux to the outside of the pipe and to the inside of the fitting. During soldering, the tap flux will evaporate and turn the solder into a seam, forming a seal around its entire perimeter.
Soldering copper pipes step by step
Light a propane burner and turn on a medium heat. Note: Most burners will produce more flame when tilted down. Therefore, be careful to keep the burner at a constant level. Aim the flame directly at the seam. It will heat up in about 20-60 seconds. Note that the figure below shows the valve is closed. As for the valve, it is better that it is open. This is to reduce the risk of damage.
Press down on the solder to create a mounting gap between the fitting and the pipe. When the seam is sufficiently hot, the solder will melt and, through capillary action, turn into a seam. As the solder begins to melt, move the flame all the way around the entire joint to avoid overheating in one area. When the solder covers the outside of the seam, it becomes even. Turn off the heat and let the pipe cool. Clean up excess flux as this can corrode the metal inside the plumbing and cause a tiny hole that could leak.
What to remember to do when brazing copper pipes is complete
If you followed these instructions, the seam is most likely very tight. The only good test is to put pressure on him by turning on the water in the house. Be sure to wait until the solder has cooled down (2-3 minutes) before pressurizing the plumbing to avoid cracking the solder due to sudden temperature changes.
Supplements
As stated at the beginning of this article, for more information on these and other piping topics, we strongly recommend that you study this topic in more detail, as well as other home plumbing guides. Good luck with your plumbing work!
Before brazing copper pipes, it is necessary to learn in detail the characteristics of this pipe-rolling assortment.
First of all, it should be noted that these materials are more flexible and more resistant to the external environment when compared with steel options.
Therefore, when choosing, preference will fall on the copper side. Such a pipe will stay in the house exactly as long as the structure itself will last. Provided that these products are connected by soldering, they are safely allowed to be hidden in a wall or under concrete.
Copper pipes of the highest quality are produced for the heating and water supply network. A huge range of their positive characteristics does not diminish throughout the entire period of use.
Only their high price makes them abandon the use of this building material. But, in this case, it fully justifies itself with high quality.
Threaded Connection - Copper Crimp Fittings
Video
Which is characterized by low reliability.
During operation, it will have to be constantly monitored. It cannot withstand high pressure and will require constant tightening.
First, the workpieces are cut to the required size. If there is a layer of insulation on it, then it is removed at the end. Burrs are removed from the end part.
And they put a union nut and a crimp ring on it. After connecting the nut to the fitting, the connection - the thread is tightened.
If adapters are used from steel products to copper ones, then. It is screwed onto the thread and then screwed into the fitting.
Such joints are advisable in areas where there is a possibility of constant checking.
Soldering features
Such a joint is used in situations where pipes pass in a wall or floor, as well as in other places with limited access to visually check the joints.
The soldering process is based on the capillary effect. In this case, the solder is applied in an equal layer over the pipe cross section. Also, in the process, special fittings are used, which are selected separately for each diameter of the pipe roll.
Video
Also, in the process, solder and flux are used. And the soldering method itself is divided into two subspecies:
- high temperature;
- low temperature.
Video
Low temperature (soft) soldering... It is used in the design of a pipeline for transporting liquid and gas.
The operating temperature during the process exceeds 110 degrees. This method is used for assortments with a volume of 0.7 to 11 cm. Nozzles with a wall thickness greater than 0.16 cm and a volume exceeding 11 cm are connected by welding.
High temperature (hard) soldering... In household pipelines, such soldering is practically not used. In this way, workpieces for networks that operate in high-temperature conditions are connected.
Process sequence:
- An element of the desired size is prepared with the thermal insulation removed and the burrs removed.
- The docking area and the fitting are cleaned of oxide film.
- Dust is removed and flux is applied to the top.
- The end of the workpiece is inserted into the fitting (the gap remains no more than 0.04 cm).
- The connection is heated with a torch and the seams are sealed with solder.
Solders
Video
Hot and cold brazing of copper pipes is used to form a strong and high quality joint.
It is made from powder, rods, wire and paste. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the operating temperature indicator and the soldering method itself.
Of the soft types for copper products, the most commonly used products are L-SN AG5 and L-SN SB5. Tin options with a small addition of silver and antimony are highly demanded.
The operating temperature of such goods is within two hundred and forty degrees. They are allowed to be used in heating networks, for supplying different water in the food industry.
The numbers 40, 50, 60 indicate the percentage of tin in these types. Their melting points are 190, 210 and 235 degrees. At higher compositions of tin in the alloy, the melting point during soldering is lower.
Video
Low-melting aluminum-based options are used extensively. For events with copper products on the mounting gap, it is advised to use the form L-AL SL12.
This also includes products with a silver composition of at least one quarter of the alloy. The melting range of this material is 600-800 degrees.
It is also necessary to note the form L-AG 40CD... It also contains 20% silver. The melting point spectrum ranges from 600 to 635 degrees. It can be found when working not only with copper blanks, but also with other metals.
To create the most durable joints using soft, copper and silver alloys, it is advised to leave an assembly gap of 0.02-0.04 cm in size.
More detailed information on the work of alloys can be obtained from the marking on DIN or ask for advice from a professional craftsman.
The flux for brazing copper pipes is a very important element. Its main component is boron compounds. To enhance their activity, fluorine compounds are added to them.
Brazing of copper can be done with pure borax. For the high temperature grade, it is a versatile flux.
Fluxes are produced in different forms:
- powdery;
- liquid;
- crystalline.
Large diameter pipes
Not everyone knows how to properly solder large diameter copper pipes. In general, the whole process of work does not differ from work with other volumes.
Video
Only in high-temperature brazing of such products is the solder supplied to two opposite points on the pipe. Everyone can cope with both this and other type of soldering.
Insulation of pipes in the heating network
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Insulation of pipes in the heating network is carried out in order to reduce heat loss. Non-insulated copper pipes increase heat loss five times, since this metal is characterized by high heat conductivity.
Under these conditions, radiators are required less... But, if they go in a closed gasket, then they need careful insulation. Otherwise, the coolant will transfer its heat to the walls.
When asked how to insulate copper heating pipes hidden in a monolith (floor, walls), everything can be solved as follows. They are excellent from mechanical damage caused by temperature fluctuations of the heat carrier. protects the corrugation.
Many people are trying to learn how to solder copper pipes for a water supply. Due to intensive use, the water pipe line wears out quickly, which cannot be said about the copper pipe line. Such a plumbing will last forever.
To connect the plumbing system from copper pipe rolls, the capillary soldering method (low-temperature and high-temperature) is used.
Video
Mistakes when soldering with these building materials for the water mains lead to their corrosion. It appears in those places where the protective film, which is formed by chlorine oxidation, is destroyed.
The blame for this is the chlorine that water contains. To avoid such corrosion, it is necessary:
- do not allow the solder to get into the middle of the joint during soldering;
- purchase products from a trusted manufacturer;
- use water filters.
Copper pipe for air conditioners
This type of pipe-rolling assortment is used when installing an air conditioning network, consisting of an indoor and outdoor unit.
Haldagen transports two copper pipes of different diameters. A workpiece with a smaller diameter transports liquid freon, while the other one transports gaseous freon.
This metal in this situation was chosen for a reason, it is highly resistant in contact with freon.
Such branch pipes from air conditioners lend themselves well to soldering. Recommended for solder phosphorus copper and silver look... And the aggregates themselves demonstrate high tensile strength.
Video
Briefly describing how to solder copper pipes for air conditioners, it will look like this:
- First, get rid of the oxide film. Do this with a sanding paper.
- After that, a flux is applied to the cleaned areas.
- The fitting will mate with the pipe. In this case, one must not forget about the half-millimeter gap.
- The junction is warmed up at a temperature of almost three hundred degrees. Heating is carried out with a gas burner. This is done evenly, smoothly moving the flame along the structure.
- After you have finished soldering, it is imperative to flush the system, otherwise the flux residues will provoke metal corrosion, and this will lead to a breakdown of the air conditioner.
Soldering irons "Dremel"
The problem of how to solder copper pipes is easily solved with a Dremel soldering iron. These small gas burners are able to burn, solder and cut. They easily remove old paint, defrost and reheat pipe materials for bending.
The Dremel soldering iron costs about 2,000 rubles. With such a device, you can forget about prolonged heating and a large thermal gun.
The Dremel Soldering Iron includes:
- soldering iron;
- burner nozzle;
- two knives of different sizes;
- reflex and crevice nozzle.
For ease of use, the device comes with several keys for changing nozzles, a protective cap for the mechanism and solder for soldering.
The hole is quite convenient, and they can be installed without the participation of reflex attachments.
Fill the device with butane for gas lighters. One refill of the Dremel soldering iron is enough for one hour of work.
Video
This device is for household use. Professional counterparts cost from 5 thousand rubles and more. Soldering with such a tool becomes a pleasure.
How to solder copper pipes, and the fact that this method is very effective is understandable. After all, this does not require expensive special equipment. It is important that and the structure of the material itself remains unchanged.
As a result, there is a strong and reliable joint that will last forever. The main thing is to follow the technology and act carefully when working.
RecordingsWhen a person takes up the arrangement of his own home, then naturally he tries to do everything at the highest level. At the same time, there are only two ways to implement the conceived ideas: to do the work with the help of involved professionals, or to do everything exceptional yourself. Moreover, the second option is not only an attempt to save money on the services of specialists. There are people who believe, it should be noted, often very fairly, that only a person can do the job ideally with his own hand. And even if the principle "I do everything myself" is dictated solely by financial considerations, then there is nothing wrong with that. Moreover, people who undertake complex and high-tech work are respected. Brazing copper pipes can be considered as an example. One has only to add that the relevance of such a topic is dictated by the great popularity of copper pipelines when installing plumbing or heating systems.
A little theory before starting work
To begin with, it is worth noting that the opinion about the prohibitive cost of copper piping for the average homeowner is highly exaggerated. Yes, copper communications cannot be called a budget option when compared with PVC pipes, but on the other hand, if we consider the strength characteristics and reliability of connections, then the comparison will definitely be in favor of copper.
So, we are interested in the connection of copper pipes when installing, say, a water supply system from the point of view of independent execution. Before getting to work, there are a few important things to understand:
- The vast majority of pipes are 3/8 "and 3/4" in diameter.
- The nominal diameter is in any situation 3.2 mm less than the outside diameter.
- Copper pipes with walls of various thicknesses can be used in the work, which is indicated by the corresponding indices: K, L, M. In addition, there is a division of these products into hard and soft.
We hasten to assure you that you won't have to buy something extraordinary and expensive.
Everything you need to carry out your copper soldering work
The technology of brazing copper pipes in a standard version implies the use of elements that can be easily found in your own stocks. Well, in case of emergency, you will have to visit the nearest plumbing store. So, in order to perform the correct installation of copper pipes with your own hands, you need to prepare:
- Solder - exists in the form of special rods or wires. Its melting point is lower than that of copper, which allows it to be used for connecting copper pipes by heating.
- Steel brush - the functional purpose is to clean the pipes from the outside, and the fittings from the inside in preparation for soldering. Alternatively, a fine-grained abrasive cloth can be used, but in this case the process will be more labor intensive.
- Soldering flux - Coating pipes and fittings in preparation for soldering.
- Brush - applying flux paste.
- Sanding - surface cleaning.
- Small steam propane torch with welding changeover mechanism. It is used to heat pipes and fittings during the joining process.
- Heat resistant gasket.
- Copper pipe.
- Fitting.
The most specific item of the above list is the gas burner. The modern market offers them in various variations: simple, with piezo ignition, for different types of gas cartridges.
Brazing copper pipes is an alternative pipe joining method that provides a high seam strength. The additives are BCuP or BAg brazed alloys. It is they who ensure the reliability of the soldered connection. But according to SNiP, such a solder is required first of all when repairing refrigeration equipment or air conditioners, and for communications it is enough to use soft solder, for example, tin.
The work will be done as efficiently as possible if there is an inexpensive, for example, Polish-made, burner at hand, but with piezo ignition. Buying a branded model without this feature is a mistake.
Soft Soldering Algorithm
The inside of the joint is cleaned with a brush. Then, with a sandpaper, the outer surface is brought to a beautiful copper shine. After that, a brush is applied to the flux paste both outside and inside the joints, which are then inserted into each other.
Solder is carried out along the edges of the joints. At the same time, there is no need for processing with solder along the entire perimeter of the joint, if tin solder is in operation, then it is enough to process it, only half of the perimeter. Tin tends to be absorbed into the compound.
Possible soldering errors:
- Before properly soldering copper pipes, you need to clearly understand that the flame temperature of the burner reaches 1000 ° C. It is important not to overexpose the compounds in the epicenter of the flame. It takes 15-20 seconds to warm up.
- Do not forget about protecting objects from heat in the place where soldering is performed. Particular emphasis should be placed on the removal of flammable and flammable substances.
- The importance of ensuring adequate ventilation in the work area is often underestimated. Windows and doors should be open, if necessary, you can turn on the fan.
When soldering copper connections, it is important not to overheat the soldered area.
How else can you connect copper elements?
An alternative to the classic brazing is the connection of copper pipes with fittings, which can be of two types:
- Crimp - made of brass. There is a compression ring inside such a fitting, which ensures the tightness of the connection.
- Capillary brazing - differ in the inner diameter from the external indicator by 0.1-0.15 mm.
The use of a fitting method for connecting copper pipes later can provide additional benefits, namely the possibility of complete recuperation. That is, the replaced copper elements can be reused under certain conditions.
Safety first
The installation of copper pipes cannot be carried out when arranging a kitchen, that is, to meet drinking needs. When copper comes into contact with chlorine contained in tap water, compounds harmful to the body are formed. If we are talking about such a source of water supply as a well, then there are absolutely no restrictions.
Such beautiful neat seams should be the result
The end result of brazing copper pipes is a tight, beautiful seam, but its reliability needs to be checked. If the soldering was carried out within the framework of the plumbing system, then it just needs to be filled with water, creating the maximum working pressure. In this case, there is no need to rush, it is necessary to allow the seam to cool completely, otherwise it will simply crack from a sharp temperature drop.