k.k.
New Member
Hi all, just started checking out this site and already got a lot of valuable info. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share their expertise here!
I'm currently doing a renovation on our downstairs 1/2 bath / laundry room.
Couple questions....
Has anyone ever had any issues with bad flux? Last year, i ran all new 1/2" copper supply in our upstairs bathroom. first time sweating and didn't have any failures. As anyone who does a reno on a 100 yr old house knows, not many things go according to plan so that ended up being the highlight of the project. anyway, this time around, i used a different flux (couldn't find the old can) so i used the Benzomatic one that came with the torch. This stuff was white and really light, fluffy. well, this project turned into a nightmare, each joint that i sweated ended up failing at one point. so i had to scrap the whole thing and start over. I didn't doubt my technique and i thought it might be an issue with the flux. Bought some Oatey flux and everything worked out. Strange?
Used some sharkbite fittings in some hard-to-reach places. Those things are great! but $$$. Definitely worth it in my opinion for beginners doing small projects. what's the consensus on them? are they built to last?
So here's my radiator question. Where can i find replacement shut off valves for radiators? In the project I'm doing, I'm building out the wall behind the radiator, so there will no longer be enough clearance between the radiator and wall with the existing pipes. I've attached a photo, but I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. What can i use to extend the pipe about 2 - 3" ? it's 1 1/4" pipe (black pipe?). I was thinking maybe putting on a union with a nipple on the other end but maybe there is an easier way?
Also, where can i get replacement valves for radiators? I figure i should replace it while i have it disassembled, as i can no longer turn the knob. Also have an upstairs one that i want to replace. I should be looking for a brass valve, right?
Thanks!
I'm currently doing a renovation on our downstairs 1/2 bath / laundry room.
Couple questions....
Has anyone ever had any issues with bad flux? Last year, i ran all new 1/2" copper supply in our upstairs bathroom. first time sweating and didn't have any failures. As anyone who does a reno on a 100 yr old house knows, not many things go according to plan so that ended up being the highlight of the project. anyway, this time around, i used a different flux (couldn't find the old can) so i used the Benzomatic one that came with the torch. This stuff was white and really light, fluffy. well, this project turned into a nightmare, each joint that i sweated ended up failing at one point. so i had to scrap the whole thing and start over. I didn't doubt my technique and i thought it might be an issue with the flux. Bought some Oatey flux and everything worked out. Strange?
Used some sharkbite fittings in some hard-to-reach places. Those things are great! but $$$. Definitely worth it in my opinion for beginners doing small projects. what's the consensus on them? are they built to last?
So here's my radiator question. Where can i find replacement shut off valves for radiators? In the project I'm doing, I'm building out the wall behind the radiator, so there will no longer be enough clearance between the radiator and wall with the existing pipes. I've attached a photo, but I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. What can i use to extend the pipe about 2 - 3" ? it's 1 1/4" pipe (black pipe?). I was thinking maybe putting on a union with a nipple on the other end but maybe there is an easier way?
Also, where can i get replacement valves for radiators? I figure i should replace it while i have it disassembled, as i can no longer turn the knob. Also have an upstairs one that i want to replace. I should be looking for a brass valve, right?
Thanks!