Soldering copper pipes - an overview of common mistakes and the right technology
When a person undertakes the arrangement of his own home, he naturally tries to do everything in the highest rank. At the same time, there are only two ways to implement the ideas conceived: to do the work with the help of attracted professionals or to do everything exceptional yourself. Moreover, the second option is not only an attempt to save 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 perfectly. And even if the principle of “doing everything myself” is dictated solely by financial considerations, then there is nothing shameful in this. Moreover, people who undertake the performance of complex and high-tech work inspire respect. As an example, soldering of copper pipes can be considered. It is worth adding that the relevance of such a topic is dictated by the great popularity of copper pipelines in the installation of plumbing or heating systems.
A bit of theory before starting work
To begin with, it is worth noting that the opinion of the unbearable high cost of a copper pipeline for an ordinary homeowner is very hyperbolic. 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 the joints, then the comparison will definitely be in favor of copper.
So, we are interested in connecting copper pipes in a device, say, a water pipe from the point of view of independent execution. Before you get to work, it’s worth understanding several important things:
- The vast majority use pipes with 3/8 "thread, as well as 3/4" in diameter.
- The nominal diameter in any situation is 3.2 mm less than the outer diameter.
- Copper pipes with walls of various thicknesses may be involved 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 will not have to buy something extraordinary and expensive.
All you need to do copper brazing
The technology of brazing copper pipes as standard involves the use of elements that can easily be found in your own reserves. Well, in extreme cases, you 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 to connect 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. As an alternative, a fine-grained sandpaper 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 - application of flux paste.
- Skin - surface cleaning.
- Small propane torch for a couple with a welding switching mechanism. It is used to heat pipes and fittings during the connection process.
- Heat resistant gasket.
- Copper pipe.
- Fitting.
From the above list, the most specific subject is a gas burner. The modern market offers them in various variations: simple, with piezo ignition, for different types of gas canisters.
Brazing of copper pipes is an alternative method of connecting pipes, providing high strength joints. BCuP or BAg brazing alloys are used as an additive. They provide the reliability of the solder joint. But according to SNiP, such 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 carried out as efficiently as possible, if at hand there will be an inexpensive, for example, Polish-made, burner, but with piezo ignition. Acquiring a brand model, but without this feature is a mistake.
We use solder carefully - it should not be too much
Soft Soldering Algorithm
The brush cleans the inside of the joint. Then, the outer surface is brought to a beautiful copper shine with a sandpaper. After that, the flux paste is applied with a brush both to the outside and to the inside of the compounds, which are then inserted into each other.
Flux paste is used when soldering with soft solder
This is followed by work with open fire - a key focus on the safety of work. The burner is ignited and the junction is heated.
Solder is carried out at the edges of the joints. At the same time, there is no need to process the solder along the entire perimeter of the joint, if tin solder is in operation, then it is enough to process it, only half the perimeter. Tin has the property of absorbing into the compound.
Possible errors when soldering:
- Before brazing copper pipes correctly, you need to clearly understand that the flame temperature of the burner reaches 1000 ° C. It is important not to overexpose the compounds at the epicenter of the flame. 15-20 seconds are enough for warming up.
- We must not forget about protecting objects from heat in the place where the soldering is performed. Particular emphasis should be placed on the removal of combustible 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 brazing copper joints, it is important not to overheat the weld point
How else can you connect copper elements?
An alternative to classical soldering is possible to connect copper pipes with fittings, which can be of two types:
- Crimp - made from brass. Inside such a fitting there is a crimp ring, which ensures the tightness of the connection.
- Capillary soldering - differ in internal diameter from an external indicator by 0.1-0.15 mm.
The use of a fitting method for connecting copper pipes can subsequently provide additional benefits, namely the possibility of complete recovery. That is, the replaced copper elements under certain conditions can be reused.
Safety comes first
Installation of copper pipes cannot be carried out during the arrangement of the kitchen, that is, to satisfy 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 result
The end result of brazing copper pipes is a dense beautiful seam, but its reliability must be checked.If the soldering was carried out as part 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 due to a sharp temperature drop.
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