Supply lines for washing machine?

I'm now towards the end of my little project, thanks to the help of others on this site.

Much of my plumbing under the house is galvanized. I've taken out the old supply lines for the washer, and eventually plan to replace the rest of it... section by section.

I've purchased the items needed to complete the job using copper. I've spent some time practicing with a few pieces in the garage, and it appears I'm making a good seal. The problem is when I'm doing this it's not too bad on a bench, but under the house will be another story.

Some of this copper will end up behind a wall, so I'm a little hesitant to do this since I'm still sort of a noob in the world of plumbing. The last thing I need is a leak to eventually develop that I won't be aware of.

Can I use PVC for this job? Reading other threads on this site, there is a concern over the glue being exposed to high temps for a long period of time.

Thanks

You can't use pvc for supply lines, but (almost the same) cpvc can be used. The critical points on making copper solder joints are: clean the parts to be soldered well, use an appropriate flux (some swear by a tinning flux - it has some additional powdered solder in it as well as the flux to help ensure good covereage), and heating the joint hot enough to let the solder flow (not heating the solder in the joint). It's a good idea to take a dry cloth and wipe the joint while it is still hot to remove the excess flux and solder, but you can leave it. Still, a good idea to wipe with a wet cloth after it cools if you don't while hot to remove excess flux. The joints don't have to look pretty, but it's nice. If you get them clean and fluxed, then heat and the solder flows, it will almost certainly be a good joint. Don't let it move until the solder sets.

Practice soldering a bit more, CPVC is an option but i would avoid it.

jdgoodman said:

Practice soldering a bit more, CPVC is an option but i would avoid it.

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Since you already have the copper, thats the way to go. I might have said try out pex, but if its exposed you dont want animals getting at it.

CPVC is not a good option if your water does not corrode copper. Copper is still, and I believe will continue to be the preferred medium for water supply. Jim has noted the important points about making a good joint in his post. As he points out, as novice your joints may not look as pretty as a pros, but can still be functionally fine. Working in tight places does present some problems that you will have to deal with. It is considered bad form to burn ones house down, so proper precautions need to be taken. A shield to protect wood from fire is essential. I use a #10 can with both ends removed and the can split with a notch on one side. There are commercially made shields available as well. You need to remember the house water will likely be turned off, so have a spray bottle of water on hand and ready just in case. A real fire extinguisher would not hurt although the spray bottle should be enough. Reasonable care about where you point the torch is also helpful.

solder

One thing to realize about a solder joint. Looking good and not leaking are not always the same thing. A very poor joint, or one that leaks, can "look" beautiful, while a very good joint in a bad location might not be so pretty.