calling old plumbers
 

what is wrong with me i cant seem to make a decent water proof presure proof joint anymore and while im no pro i used to be pretty good.

i have tried different solders fluxes but still cant seem to make a decent joint
in anything accept for brand new components.i used to be able to resolder and reuse pipe sitting in a paddock for 10 years.

i am currently blaming the pipe it does not seem to bend as easily as it used to.lead acid core solder seemed to help a bit but still not up to scratch yes i have cleaned and polished prior to solder.

this is realy annoying me it makes me want to puke broken glass its like learning to ride a bike again after thinking you were good enough to race with
armstrong.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Try 'tinning' the pipe first, that usually will fix even a stubborn sweat joint.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

thanks but even that is not working

i clean polish tin and still is turns to a poor joint

it seems like the tinning "burns" prior to joint

to much heat?

Re: calling old plumbers
 

It does sound like ,,,way too much heat..
Tone it down some..

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Might be. Was thinking, did you place your heat properly to draw solder into the joint? Seems the last time i kept coming out with a bad joint, it was because i didn't possition my heat right and the solder only accumulated at the connection and wasn't drawn into the joint. But its been years..... many, many years since i did any solder plumbing. I just just use flex lines slip joints and couplings now.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

You probably know this, but heat the pipe first, then withdraw the flame, then apply the solder.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Too much heat will cause scale to form , in a sense burn
the metal. Then nothing happens, I watch for the color
change in the copper, and when right apply the solder.

You should never heat to red heat, with copper, that is
way too hot!!

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Too much or too little heat will do the same thing.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

You do know the new, lead free solder is crap, right ?

Find some older 50/50 and you'll be amazed at the difference......stained glass supply places carry it.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Direct your heat towards the base of the fitting cup. Capillary action will draw the solder into the cup. You can heat it up too much as others have said.

Clean the joint very well with sandpaper, and don't touch the cleaned pipe with your hand. Body oils will mess up your joint. Ask me how I know. LOL

Apply flux to the pipe and slide the fitting onto the pipe. Apply heat as I mentioned above, and you'll see the solder flow into the fitting.

This will work. I've been known to apply flux around the completed joint to clean that black oxidation stuff off the joint, but this isn't strictly necessary.

There is a brand of solder called "Bridgit" and it's great for making those bad fitups take a nice secure joint. Good stuff.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Take the joint apart, and use sand paper or the (better) newer style round metal brushes (inner diameter and outer diameter) sized for the size of pipe you are using, and clean both parts until you have pure roughened copper. Apply flux to both pieces and assemble. Heat the joint while applying the solder wire against the joint. When it is hot enough, it will melt and pull the solder into the joint. Once the solder forms a complete circle around the joint you are done.

Works every time!

If this doesn't work, perhaps you have over cleaned the joint and it is extremely loose so the solder can't seal???

Re: calling old plumbers
 

As usual, Andy is on the right track.

The "new" lead free solder is pure junk.

Problem is you have to heat your joint way hotter

To get the new stuff to work right and

There is this super small window between too hot and too cold.

Helpful hint - I always keep an eye out for the old stuff

At garage sales and in junk stores.

Picked up enough for the duration, that way, for a song.


scyth

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Scyth, I bought 10 rolls at a local stained glass supplier.....and he KNEW I wasn't into stained glass....ahahahaaa

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Hire a professional.

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Maybe you don't have enough crack showing.

Here is a pic of the local plumbers union:

http://www.fileitunder.com/uploaded_...ack-782980.jpg

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Sharkbite......Ask someone at a hardware store for it

Re: calling old plumbers
 

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAN............ PUT SOME SPACKLING IN THOSE CRACKS!!!

Re: calling old plumbers
 

Well, I believe that the problem is that
you forgot the 3 rules of being a plumber...


Rule #1. Payday is on Friday










Rule #2. Shit flows down hill











Rule #3. Don't bite your fingernails....



.