How Professional Plumbers BRAZE COPPER LINES

Summary

In this video, plumbing expert Roger Wakefield demonstrates the proper technique for brazing copper lines, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough cleaning of both pipes and fittings. He explains the significance of using fresh, clean silver solder and the proper heating technique to ensure strong, leak-free joints. Roger also shares tips on how to prevent warping by using a custom-built stand, and how to achieve full penetration of the solder for a durable joint. He finishes with advice on not cooling joints with water, letting them cool naturally for the best results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always prioritize safety when working with tools and materials, including wearing safety glasses and gloves.
• 😀 Cutting copper pipes requires using the right tools and ensuring that the pipe is held securely in place.
• 😀 After cutting, it's important to ream the copper pipe to remove any internal burrs that may affect the joint quality.
• 😀 Cleaning copper before soldering is crucial, with options such as sand cloth or Scotch Brite pads depending on the work environment.
• 😀 When soldering, the copper pipe and fitting must be fully cleaned and free of oxidation to ensure a strong bond.
• 😀 Make sure the fitting fits fully into the pipe, all the way to the stop, to ensure the correct depth and strong connection.
• 😀 For brazing or soldering, the right flame tip and heat are essential for proper fusion, with a turbo tip recommended for larger pipes.
• 😀 Always check the quality of your silver solder; oxidized solder can cause leaks due to impurities.
• 😀 Full penetration soldering ensures that the solder fills the joint completely for maximum strength and durability.
• 😀 Never cool joints with water, as this can cause cracking. Let the joint cool naturally for best results.
• 😀 When working on plumbing systems like medical gas or fire protection, ensure full penetration and reliable joints to prevent leaks.

Q & A

What is the first step the speaker takes before starting the braising process?

The speaker prioritizes safety and wears safety glasses and gloves before beginning the braising process. They also emphasize thinking about safety before starting any job.

Why does the speaker use a reamer after cutting the copper pipe?

The reamer is used to remove the inner burr or bend that forms when cutting copper pipe, ensuring the joint is smooth and clean for better soldering.

What are the different methods the speaker mentions for cleaning copper pipes?

The speaker mentions using sand cloth, a scotch brite pad, or abrasive cloth depending on the conditions. They also note that under certain conditions, such as working under a house, abrasive cloth may be the first choice.

Why does the speaker prefer over-cleaning the copper pipe?

The speaker prefers over-cleaning the copper to ensure that the solder has pure, clean copper to adhere to, which reduces the risk of leakage.

What type of system requires using only scotch brite pads for cleaning copper pipes?

Medical gas systems require using only scotch brite pads to clean copper pipes due to strict cleanliness standards.

What is the purpose of ensuring the copper pipe fits fully into the fitting?

Ensuring the copper pipe fits fully into the fitting guarantees that the joint will be made correctly, allowing for proper heat penetration and a secure solder.

Why does the speaker use a turbo tip when soldering copper pipes?

The speaker uses a turbo tip to heat the copper more efficiently. While it may be too small for a one-inch line, the turbo tip provides a strong and focused flame for heating the pipe properly.

What is the potential problem with using older silver solder for brazing?

Older silver solder may have oxidized, which can cause impurities in the solder joint. This oxidation can prevent proper sealing and cause the joint to leak.

What does the speaker mean by 'full penetration' when soldering?

Full penetration refers to ensuring the solder flows deeply into the fitting, filling the joint thoroughly to create a strong, leak-proof bond.

What trick does the speaker mention to avoid wasting silver solder?

The speaker mentions a trick to avoid wasting silver solder, but does not explicitly reveal it in the video. They hint that it’s a technique they use to maximize the solder's effectiveness.

Why does the speaker avoid cooling the joint with water after soldering?

The speaker avoids cooling the joint with water because it can cause the joint to crack. Instead, they let the joint cool naturally to ensure the integrity of the solder joint.

What is the primary use of brazing copper pipes under a slab in construction?

Brazing copper pipes under a slab is used for repairs in cases where traditional soldering isn't possible. For example, if a copper repair is needed under a slab or when connecting to a PEX system, brazing offers a reliable solution.