MikeG
New Member
Hey guys!
Well when it comes to soldering around existing fittings on supply lines I'm a CHICKEN!
I'm working on installing an expansion tank. I have everything set. All that is left is to add the T into the cold water supply going into the water heater. Here's the problem... There is a female adapter that goes into the water heater. Above that by about 3 - 4 inches is a coupler. Above that by about 4 -5 inches is a shutoff valve.
When I heat up the coupler, I'm concerned that I might heat the solder for the other fittings and weaken them. My thought was to wrap the other fittings in wet rags to keep them cool. Once the coupler is removed, what's the best way to clean the copper pipe from the old solder? When I replace a coupler with a T do I need to cut down one of the copper lines to provide enough space for the T? Finally, how much flux do you normally use for 3/4" pipe? I've heard 1/2" for 1/2" pipe and 3/4" for 3/4" pipe.
You guessed it, soldering pipe is not my thing! I have nightmares of failed solder joints.
Thanks, Mike
Well when it comes to soldering around existing fittings on supply lines I'm a CHICKEN!
I'm working on installing an expansion tank. I have everything set. All that is left is to add the T into the cold water supply going into the water heater. Here's the problem... There is a female adapter that goes into the water heater. Above that by about 3 - 4 inches is a coupler. Above that by about 4 -5 inches is a shutoff valve.
When I heat up the coupler, I'm concerned that I might heat the solder for the other fittings and weaken them. My thought was to wrap the other fittings in wet rags to keep them cool. Once the coupler is removed, what's the best way to clean the copper pipe from the old solder? When I replace a coupler with a T do I need to cut down one of the copper lines to provide enough space for the T? Finally, how much flux do you normally use for 3/4" pipe? I've heard 1/2" for 1/2" pipe and 3/4" for 3/4" pipe.
You guessed it, soldering pipe is not my thing! I have nightmares of failed solder joints.
Thanks, Mike