Soldering copper pipes with your own hands using a gas torch. What is needed for soldering copper pipes with your own hands Soldering copper pipes with hard solder

You can make a plumbing or heating system in a private house yourself; it is only important to understand how to solder copper pipes to make a reliable connection.

Copper pipes have an inaccessible steel pipes flexible, durable and resistant to impact chemical elements, which is why such a system is preferable.

Copper is one of the elements that has been well known to mankind for more than 1000 years.

Therefore, it is not surprising that it has found application in many devices and systems, for example:

• as pipes in a water supply system;
• as pipes for heating systems in private houses.

Such systems last throughout the life of the entire house, so you don’t have to worry about providing access to them - walling them up, filling them with concrete, sheathing them wall panels and so on.

The only requirement for monolithic placement copper pipes– use cushioning material: corrugation or PVC insulation, which prevents the mechanical impact of materials on pipelines when changing temperature regime(winter summer).

The situation on the consumer market

Many consumers naturally ask: since copper has so many advantages, why don’t copper pipes dominate the heating and plumbing equipment market?

It's all about common misconceptions, of which a couple of main ones can be identified:

1. Copper pipes are quite expensive.
2. Soldering copper pipes is very difficult.

Indeed, in the production of copper pipes for heating and water supply systems, high-quality copper is used, which has high anti-corrosion properties. It solders perfectly and can withstand high pressure, does not lose hardness and ductility. And, accordingly, it is expensive.

But in terms of 1 linear meter already installed plumbing or heating system, the cost of a system made of copper pipes is at the level of similar systems, for example, made of plastic pipes due to savings on expensive fittings.

The second point that stops consumers is the lack of information about how to properly solder copper pipes, and whether it can be done independently.

For reference: Copper is an exceptional metal that lends itself well to soldering. Its surface is well cleaned from oxides and contaminants, and provides excellent adhesion to solders.

The very adhesion (wetting) of copper surfaces during soldering contributes to the manifestation of the capillary effect, due to which the solder penetrates into the gaps, spreading in all directions, even upwards.

Learn to create a durable and environmentally friendly system in own home everyone can. To do this, you just need to study the principle of copper soldering and gain a little experience.

Preparing for work

Before you begin assembling a heating or plumbing system, you should stock up on tools, without which it is impossible to obtain tight connections for a copper pipeline.

To work with copper pipes you will need:

1. Steel brush for cleaning internal surfaces pipes
2. Brush for cleaning soldered surfaces. Just like a brush, it is necessary to remove oxides and contaminants that impede quality soldering.
3. Gas burner with a nozzle for adjusting the flame.

You can use compact burners based on household cylinders with gas for refilling tourist stoves (camping gas).

In addition, to install the system you will also need general construction tools:

• level;
• roulette;
• hammer (for pipe expander);
• marker.

Soldering process

Let's start learning some simple techniques on how to solder copper pipes:

Warning! It is forbidden to use fine-grained sandpaper to remove burrs and clean surfaces.

Due to the softness of copper, abrasive particles from the sandpaper will remain on the surface and prevent adhesion.

1. Similarly, we clean the edge of the expanded pipe from burrs and dirt.
2. We apply flux. It is best to apply it to one pipe that is inserted (smaller diameter). Spread evenly over the surface using a brush.

Caution: If there is a lot of flux, then when heated, solder will get inside the pipe, where a drop will form. This may cause noise from water during operation.

1. Apply solder to the pipe joint. It begins to melt without a burner, from hot copper and, spreading, fills all the voids between the pipes due to the capillary effect. As soon as drops of solder begin to appear on the surface of the pipes, soldering should be stopped.
2. While the soldering area is cooling, do not blow on the connection or apply physical stress.

Do not allow the process to overheat the pipes. If the pipe begins to turn black, it is necessary to stop heating, since if the pipe is overheated, the “capillary” soldering effect will not work.

• If you don’t have soldering skills, you should first practice on pipe scraps. Experts say that 2-3 times are enough to master the skills and get an idea of ​​​​working with copper.
• It is best to pre-assemble the parts of the system on the table, and then solder them at their location. For example, a ball valve is first installed on prepared parts of the system with threaded connections, and then assembled into the water supply system.
• After assembly, the system should be thoroughly flushed with pressure hot water to remove excess flux and solder.

Conclusions: As you can see, soldering a plumbing or heating system made of copper can be mastered by anyone who knows how to handle simple tools. It is only important to do everything carefully, avoiding violations of the soldering technology.

They are not cheap, but they are strong and durable. Since copper has a high thermal conductivity coefficient, good anti-corrosion and antibacterial properties, pipelines made from it are efficient and durable. Soldering copper at home is not difficult: a socket-coupling is put on the pipes, and then the seam is sealed. Instead of using a socket, sometimes they widen the end and insert another into it. This connection is convenient because it does not require fittings, and the service life is equal to the life of the pipes themselves.

Preparation for soldering copper with aluminum, brass, stainless steel, iron

Preparatory period, including acquisition necessary equipment, materials, means personal protection, and the soldering procedure itself.

There are two ways to solder: high and low temperature. The first involves heating the metal to 900°C and is used for pipelines with high pressure or temperature load. For high-temperature soldering, materials intended for this purpose are used: hard solder in the form of rods (the melting point of such solder is about 900 ° C) and hard-melting flux.

In order to solder copper using the low-temperature method, it is sufficient to heat the metal to 600°C (usually 300–380°C), which is achievable in domestic conditions. For the procedure, soft solder of copper and brass is used in the form of a wire or rod with a cross-section of up to 3 mm and a more fusible flux. Solder is an alloy of tin, which is more than 97%, with other metals: copper, selenium, silver, antimony.

• Why do you need flux? Correctly soldering copper pipes can only be done with flux - a special paste-like composition (with zinc chloride), which is applied to the surface of the connected sections of the pipe in a wide strip. It performs several functions:

1. prevents the process of metal oxidation by removing oxygen;
2. improves the adhesion of solder to copper;
3. is an indicator of sufficient heating of the metal, signals when to apply solder and solder the copper;
4. promotes uniform spreading of solder along the joint.

• Safety precautions. Despite the simplicity of the process, you need to solder copper pipes with. The danger of burns is posed not only by the burner flame itself, but also by the heated metal. Copper conducts heat well, so during operation, not only the area on which solder is placed and welding is carried out, but also the entire pipe becomes very hot, and it cools down slowly. If you need to solder ones that are not yet built into the pipeline system, then preparation includes placing them on non-flammable supports, where they can cool for a long time. Before touching the welded metal from its place, you should wait until it cools completely.

Necessary materials and devices: tin and others

The following tools are required for working with copper pipes:

1. pipe cutter, hacksaw or grinder with a thin disk;
2. chamfer;
3. pipe expander (expander);
4. soldering flux;
5. solder;
6. soldering iron, for example, propane pipe torch;
7. rubberized gloves;
8. paper napkins.

Pipe cutters are used to cut pipes various sizes. Larger samples have a large turning radius and are inconvenient to use in hard to reach places, therefore, if there is a need to cut off a section on a finished installed water supply system, use a small pipe cutter. You can cut the pipe with a hacksaw or a grinder with a thin disk, but a better cut can only be achieved using a pipe cutter.

After the pipe is cut, the burrs are removed. This is necessary to ensure that there is no turbulence in the fluid flow in the system. When there are no obstacles, the water supply does not experience stress and works like a clock.

Before welding the copper, the ends of the pipe are polished with fine-grained sandpaper, which can be purchased at hardware stores. They clean both surfaces that are preparing for soldering. Sometimes small brushes with a diameter of Ø 22 mm are used for these purposes; they are suitable for almost all pipes. For cleaning, the stem of the brush is inserted into a screwdriver or drill, with the help of which the process is carried out faster and with better quality.

Flux is applied to the cleaned, smoothed outer surface - a composition that prevents the oxidation process of copper.

Advice: It is more convenient to use flux in your work gray. When heated, it changes color, reaching the temperature required for soldering, becoming a tin shade. It is visually easy to determine when the metal has heated up, and copper can be soldered. If flux white, then when applied it immediately becomes transparent, so it is difficult to determine the moment when you need to apply solder.

Rubberized gloves are used to protect hands, since when cutting copper and burrs, many small metal elements are formed that dig into the skin like splinters. In addition, when cleaning the surface with a drill, the rotating brush chews on rag gloves.

To solder copper correctly, you need to take into account that from the moment of stripping and applying flux to soldering, no more than half an hour should pass, otherwise the stripping must be repeated again. If the flux is applied with a brush, there should be no bristles or hairs from it left on the surface - otherwise the connection will not be tight and the pipeline will leak after water is supplied.

After inserting the pipe into the socket, the remaining flux is not completely removed with a napkin, it remains on the connection in the form of an edge of 1–2 mm, and when soldering, the solder is drawn inward - the capillary effect is triggered. First, the joint is heated with a burner, and the moisture between the walls is evaporated. Then the burner is brought up a second time, the copper gradually heats up, and the flux takes on a tin appearance. At this moment, solder is placed on the front side, soldering occurs, and the molten alloy flows down to the back side, solidifying as it moves. The excess metal overhangs that form below are separated on their own. Soldering copper can be done in different ways.

Soldering process

It consists of performing sequential operations:

1. the pipe is cut into pieces of the required sizes, which are marked for convenience - supply or return;
2. a chamfer is removed from the edge;
3. the edges are cleaned by 2 cm: the outer ones on the pipe, as well as the inner ones in the socket;
4. Flux is applied in a strip along the cleaned surfaces (external and internal);
5. the connection is assembled: the pipe is inserted into the socket;
6. excess flux is removed with a paper napkin, but not completely - an edge of 1–2 mm is left;
7. the burner is ignited, the flame is brought to the junction;
8. the surface heats up for 10–15 seconds until certain temperature– the flux should acquire a tin color;
9. Solder is placed on top of the joint; when heated, it will be drawn into the joint and spread along the seam, filling it.

If the connection joint has not been cleared of bristles or dust, and as a result the soldered seam of the copper water pipe leaks, then the tightness can be restored using one of two methods:

• the surface is cleaned, treated with phosphoric acid, heated with a soldering iron, and tin is applied;
• using a torch: flux is applied to the cleaned surface, heated, solder is applied, and melted.

How to properly solder copper with a gas torch

You can solder a copper tube as follows:

1. Clean the soldering area with a fine file, sandpaper or wire brush.
2. Grind rosin and sprinkle the soldering area.
3. Heat the tube over a gas flame until the rosin melts.
4. Place POS-30 or 40 solder and melt it with a soldering iron, spreading it over the surface.

In everyday life, copper processing is encountered not only when it is necessary to solder copper heating or water pipes, but also in auto repair, if on a car. In this case, the copper radiator is soldered. Instead of gas burner Car enthusiasts use a powerful 250 W electric soldering iron for copper pipes. To strip copper, use sandpaper or wire brush, and for soldering tin, rosin or orthophosphoric acid is used as soldering acid.

Soldering with a soldering iron at home

Soldering copper with a soldering iron is easier than using a torch. The procedure looks like this:

1. The surface of the radiator is cleaned with fine-grained sandpaper or a brush.
2. A few drops of acid are evenly applied to the edges of the damaged area.
3. The crack is heated with an electric soldering iron and solder is applied. Having melted, the tin fills the hole.

Independent soldering of copper heating or water supply pipes, repairing cracks in radiators is a simple technology process that can be done at home with a small set of tools.

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Soldering copper at home is something every man can do.

Before soldering copper pipes, it is necessary to learn in detail the characteristics of this pipe range.

First of all, it should be noted that these materials are more flexible and more resistant to external environment, if you compare them with steel options.

Therefore, when choosing, preference will fall on the side of copper. Such a pipe will remain in the house for exactly as long as the structure itself will last. Provided that these products are connected by soldering, they are safely allowed to be hidden in a wall or under concrete.

For heating and water supply network manufacture copper pipes of the highest quality. The huge range of their positive characteristics does not decrease throughout the entire period of use.

Only their high price makes us refuse to use this building material. But, in this case, it fully justifies its high quality.

Threaded connection - copper fittings for crimping

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Which is characterized by low reliability.

During operation it will have to be constantly monitored. It cannot withstand high pressure and will require constant tightening.

First, the workpieces are cut required size. If there is a layer of insulation on it, then it is removed at the end. The burrs are removed from the end part.

And they put a union nut and a crimp ring on it. After connecting the nut to the fitting, the connection - thread is tightened.

If adapters are used from steel products to copper, then. It is screwed onto the thread and then screwed into the fitting.

Such joints are suitable in areas where constant inspection is possible.

Soldering Features

Such a joint is used in situations where pipes pass through a wall or floor, as well as in other places with limited access to be able to visually inspect the joints.

The soldering process is based on the capillary effect. In this case, the solder lies in an equal layer over the cross-section of the pipe. Also in the process, special fittings are used, which are selected separately for each pipe diameter.

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Solder and flux are also used in the process. And I divide the soldering method itself into two subtypes:

• high temperature;
• low temperature

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Low temperature (soft) soldering. It is used in the construction of pipelines for transporting liquid and gas.

The operating temperature during the process exceeds 110 degrees. This method is used for assortments with a volume from 0.7 to 11 cm. Branch pipes with a wall thickness greater than 0.16 cm and a volume exceeding 11 cm are connected by welding.

High temperature (solid) soldering. Such soldering is practically not used in household pipelines. This method is used to connect workpieces for networks that operate at high temperatures.

Process sequence:

1. Element being prepared the right size with removed thermal insulation and deburrs.
2. The joining area and fitting are cleaned of oxide film.
3. The dust is removed and flux is applied to the upper part.
4. The end of the workpiece is inserted into the fitting (the gap remains no more than 0.04 cm).
5. The connection is heated with a torch and the seams are sealed with solder.

Solders

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Cold and hot soldering of copper pipes is used to form a durable and high-quality joint.

It is made from powder, rods, wire and paste. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the indicator operating temperature and on the soldering method itself.

From soft types For copper products, the most commonly used products are L-SN AG5 and L-SN SB5. Options made of tin with a small addition of silver and antimony are highly in demand.

The operating temperature of such products is within two hundred forty degrees. They are allowed to be used in heating networks, for supplying different water in the food industry.

The numbers 40, 50, 60 indicate the percentage composition of tin in these types. Their melting points are 190, 210 and 235 degrees. With higher tin compositions in the alloy, the melting temperature during soldering is lower.

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Low-melting aluminum-based options are widely used. When carrying out activities with copper products regarding the installation gap, it is recommended to use the form L-AL SL12.

This also includes products with a silver composition of at least one quarter of the alloy. Melting range of this material is 600-800 degrees.

It is also necessary to note the type L-AG 40CD. It also contains 20% silver. The melting point range ranges from 600 to 635 degrees. It can be found when working not only with copper blanks, but also with other metals.

To create the most durable joints using soft, copper and silver alloys, it is recommended to leave an installation gap of 0.02-0.04 cm.

You can obtain more detailed information on the performance of alloys from the DIN markings or ask for advice from a professional craftsman.

Flux for brazing copper pipes is very important element. Its main component is boron compounds. To enhance their activity, fluorine compounds are added to them.

Soldering of copper can be done using pure borax. For high temperature applications it is a universal flux.

Fluxes are produced in different forms:

• powdery;
• liquid;
• crystalline.

Large diameter pipes

How to solder copper pipes correctly large diameter Not everyone knows. In general, the entire work process is no different from working with other volumes.

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Only when high-temperature soldering of such products is the solder applied to two opposite points on the pipe. Anyone can handle both this and other types of soldering.

Insulation of pipes in the heating network

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Insulation of pipes in the heating network is carried out in order to reduce heat loss. Uninsulated copper pipes increase heat loss five times, since this metal has a high thermal conductivity.

Under such conditions, radiators are required less. But, if they come in a closed gasket, then they require careful insulation. Otherwise, the coolant will transfer its heat to the walls.

When asked how to insulate copper heating pipes hidden in a monolith (floor, walls), everything can be solved as follows. They are excellent from mechanical damage caused by temperature fluctuations of the coolant will protect the corrugation.

Many people try to learn how to solder copper pipes for water supply. Due to intensive use, the water pipe line quickly wears out, which cannot be said about the copper pipe line. Such a water supply will last forever.

To connect the water supply system from copper pipes, use capillary method adhesions (low-temperature and high-temperature).

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Errors when soldering with these building materials for water pipe mains lead to their corrosion. It appears in those places where the protective film formed by chlorine oxidation is destroyed.

The culprit for this is the chlorine that water contains. To prevent such corrosion from occurring it is necessary:

• do not allow solder to get into the middle of the joint when soldering;
• purchase products from a trusted manufacturer;
• use water filters.

Copper pipe for air conditioners

This type pipe assortment is used when installing an air conditioning network consisting of an indoor and outdoor unit.

In this case, Haldagen transports two copper pipes of different diameters. A billet of smaller diameter transports liquid freon, and the other one transports gaseous freon.

This metal was chosen for a reason in this situation; it is highly resistant to contact with freon.

Such pipes from air conditioners lend themselves well to soldering. Recommended for solder phosphorus-copper and silver appearance. And the aggregates themselves demonstrate high tensile strength.

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If we briefly describe how to solder copper pipes for air conditioners, it will look like this:

1. First, get rid of the oxide film. This is done with sandpaper.
2. After this, flux is applied to the cleaned areas.
3. The fitting connects to the pipe. At the same time, we must not forget about the half-millimeter gap.
4. The junction area warms up at a temperature of almost three hundred degrees. Heating is carried out with a gas burner. This is done evenly, smoothly moving the flame along the structure.
5. After you have finished soldering, it is imperative to flush the system, otherwise flux residues will provoke corrosion of the metal, and this will lead to breakdown of the air conditioner.

Soldering irons "Dremel"

The problem of how to solder copper pipes is easily solved with a Dremel soldering iron. These small gas torches are capable of burning, soldering and cutting. They are easy to remove old paint, defrost and warm up pipe materials for bending.

A Dremel soldering iron costs around 2000 rubles. With such a device, you can forget about long heating times and a large heat gun.

The Dremel soldering iron comes with:

• soldering iron;
• burner nozzle;
• two knives different sizes;
• reflex and crevice nozzle.

For ease of use, the device comes with several keys for changing attachments, a protective cap for the mechanism and solder for soldering.

The hole is quite convenient, and they can be installed without the participation of reflex attachments.

Fill the device with butane for gas lighters. One refill of the Dremel soldering iron is enough for an hour of work.

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This device is for household use. Professional analogues cost from 5 thousand rubles and more. Soldering with such a tool becomes a pleasure.

How to solder copper pipes, and the fact that this method is very effective is clear. After all, this does not require expensive special equipment. It is also important that the structure of the material itself remains unchanged.

The result is a strong and reliable joint that will last forever. The main thing when working is to follow the technology and act carefully.

Installing a copper plumbing system is similar to installing any home plumbing, such as from or metal-plastic. However, one of the key issues - how to solder copper pipes for water supply - requires detailed consideration.

Installation of water pipes from copper pipes

Installation of plumbing is not much different from installing plumbing or heating from other materials.
At the first stage, a well-thought-out diagram of the entire route is needed, with well-calibrated corners and connections. Let us remind you: the diagram must include a mandatory connection with the pipes of the main riser through Ball Valves, metering devices, additional outlets for future plumbing.

Water pipe made of copper pipes

The choice of types and sizes of pipes: annealed and unannealed, with 3/8 or 3/4 threads, with walls of different thicknesses: K, L, M. The weight of the copper pipe, and therefore the entire water supply structure as a whole, can depend on such details. however, the essence of the installation as a whole will not change.
Choosing a technology for connecting copper pipes: soldering or push-in fittings. The choice is always up to the consumer, but let us briefly note: the reliability of the connection of push-up fittings is not very high.
It requires constant monitoring, and fittings require systematic tightening, while soldering copper water pipes- means ensuring long-term and permanent tightness.
The main difference is the method of joining copper pipes using soft solder: it requires certain skills and equipment.

Soft soldering technology

Before soldering copper pipes, a few words of theory are needed: if the soldering process is more conscious, then many of the subtleties will become clear as the work progresses.
In everyday life and when installing plumbing systems in apartments, the so-called “low-temperature”, “soft” soldering is used: the soldering points are heated to 250-300 C, which allows the soft solder (usually tin) to melt, however, these temperatures are also dangerous for copper pipes, so exposure must be targeted and short-lived.

Soft solder copper water pipes

Cleaning pipes immediately before soldering is not a simple aesthetic manipulation, but a mandatory condition that allows you to get rid of oxidation products on the metal and ensure maximum adhesion of materials.
When soft soldering, a capillary effect occurs, in which the molten soft solder for soldering copper pipes spreads evenly over the entire surface of the joint, regardless of whether the pipe is in a horizontal or vertical position.
The recommended gap between the walls of the pipe and the fitting is strictly established - 0.1-0.15 mm: a larger distance requires more solder or will not give a capillary effect at all, a smaller one will create an unnecessary obstacle to the spreading of solder.

Tools and materials for installing copper pipes with your own hands

Copper pipe soldering torch is the key equipment for soldering. There are a variety of types of burners; it is advisable to choose a gas burner with piezo ignition and a nozzle for adjusting the flame.

• Solder for soldering copper pipes is usually tin in the form of rods or coils of wire.
• Flux for soldering copper pipes is a paste that is used to cover the surface of pipes and fittings so that it dissolves oxide films on the surface of the parts being joined, protects the copper from oxidation as a result of heating, and provides moisture to the surfaces at the time the solder dissolves.
• Copper pipe cutter – a tool for cutting copper pipes
  pipe expander for copper pipe - a tool for increasing the diameter of copper pipes when mounting parts one into another.
• A chamfer remover is a tool for chamfering and removing possible burrs from the material.
• Fittings are connecting parts of various configurations.
• Steel brush and brush for cleaning the inside and outside of fittings and pipes.

Tools needed for DIY copper pipe soldering

Equipment for soldering copper pipes is not expensive or exclusive. But it will require some effort in order to gain confident skills in its use: it is advisable to practice on pipe scraps in order to understand the intricacies of the technology and methods.
Step-by-step instructions for soft soldering copper pipes

This is important: the edge of the pipe and the pipe itself must be perfectly straight and even - the quality of the connection of the parts depends on this, so it is advisable to use a pipe cutter to cut pipes.

Step 1. Use a pipe expander to increase the diameter of the fitting, and use a chamfer remover to clean the edges of the pipe.
Step 2. Polish the outer part of the pipe with a brush, and with a brush - inner part fitting.
Step 3. Using a special brush, apply paste for soldering copper pipes - flux - to the pipe and fitting and immediately connect the parts, avoiding any type of contamination or foreign objects.
Step 4. Using a gas torch for soldering copper water pipes, gently heat the joint, working over the entire surface. An indicator of good heating is a change in the color of the soldering flux.

Soldering process of copper water pipe

Step 5. Having stopped heating the surfaces to be joined, apply solder for soldering copper pipes along the entire perimeter of the connection. The torch fire should not touch the solder wire: the tin should melt on the copper surface from it high temperature without direct exposure to fire.
Step 6. Wait for the part to cool naturally and completely - without additional means for rapid cooling.
Step 7. Be sure to remove any remaining flux paste from the surface with a damp cloth. Its effect is necessary only during soldering: it destroys protective layer copper parts.

The seam where the parts meet must be smooth and tight. It will be possible to check the resulting result only when sufficient water pressure is turned on in the water supply; however, if the soldering is successful, the reliability of the seam does not decrease in any way due to time, possible changes in pressure or water temperature.

Appearance of a properly soldered copper pipe

Installation of copper pipes with pipes made of other materials

There are several important points related to the possibilities of installing copper pipes with pipes made of other materials:

• Compounds of copper and brass, copper and plastic, and copper and steel are harmless and do not cause corrosion of materials.
• Installing galvanized steel and copper can negatively affect the condition of the galvanized steel pipe: chemical processes between copper and zinc lead to the destruction of zinc.

Therefore, if there is a need to connect galvanized and copper pipes, then it is possible only through a brass fitting and only in one direction: along the flow of water from the galvanized pipe to the copper one.

Corrosion of a galvanized pipe due to improper soldering with copper

For domestic water supply in Russia, this is a possible solution: almost always the central water supply uses steel or galvanized steel, so copper plumbing in an apartment can be purchased without a doubt.
Copper pipes are connected to steel or plastic pipes only using brass push-in fittings. The main fastening of the system is carried out through the clamping nut and clamping ring of the fitting: they are tightened to the standard number of turns specified in the technical documentation of the fitting, and must be regularly checked during operation for looseness and possible leaks.

Myths about copper pipes

Due to the lack of habit of using copper as a material for heating, water and gas supply systems, modern Russian consumers have a mistrust of this material. There are two myths:

• Copper plumbing pipes are expensive and impractical, despite their high price. The impracticality is associated with possible oxidation on outside pipes, while copper pipes also oxidize from the inside, but are absolutely not susceptible to corrosion. More high price Copper pipes can be more than covered by the ease of installation and durability of the materials.
• Copper pipes are dangerous when combined with chlorinated water. Undoubtedly, copper, when reacting with chlorine particles, oxidizes, but the film formed inside the pipes, on the contrary, protects the pipes from additional chemical influences and is safe for the human body.

However, these myths are destroyed by many years of practice. It is no coincidence that this material was used in water supply systems several thousand years ago, and copper still enjoys well-deserved recognition in European countries.

There is no secret that copper pipes are ahead of steel, cast iron and PVC pipes in terms of flexibility, heat resistance and durability. The high price of the material pays off with the long service life of copper products. Knowing how to solder copper pipes, you can save money on installation.

Copper is an excellent material for soldering; its surface does not require the use of aggressive substances when cleaning. There are many low-melting metals that create good adhesion with copper. When heated, this material does not require expensive fluxes, since violent reactions with atmospheric oxygen do not occur when melting copper.

Advantages of soldering

If there is a need to solder a copper tube to iron, arm yourself with a soldering iron, solder and flux. Soldering can be used to connect pipes from different metals, as well as metals and non-metals. During the soldering process, the base metal is not deformed, so the specified dimensions and shape of the pipes remain unchanged. There is no warping or internal stress.

Before soldering, degrease the joint (inside and outside) to improve adhesion of the pipe material and solder

If necessary, the connection can be unsoldered. Copper products are more flexible and resistant to external influences, they can easily withstand high pressure and can be installed in a closed way. When soldering, a high joint strength is obtained.

How to solder a copper tube at home

Capillary soldering was developed specifically for copper. It can be low or high temperature. Installation time for such a connection: 2-3 minutes. To obtain a capillary effect, a gap of 0.4 mm is used between the pipe and the fitting. The solder is evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the mounting gap.

• Low temperature method

Tin, lead and their alloys are low-melting solders. Coolant temperature: less than 130 degrees. When capillary soldering, the gap varies in size and can reach 0.5 cm (for large diameters). When heated strongly, copper loses its hardness, so low-temperature soldering is considered preferable.

This soldering iron allows you to connect pipes using the low-temperature method.

• High temperature method

Used when the coolant temperature exceeds 130 degrees. This type of soldering requires high professionalism from a specialist - the pipe can easily be burned.

Here we need solders made of silver and copper, copper and phosphorus. Using this method, you can connect pipes into already installed system. Cooling with water is not used, since copper in this case goes into soft condition. Over time, the strength characteristics of the annealed metal increase.

High temperature soldering

Requires special cutting tool for copper, chamfer, pipe expander, hammer, level, tape measure, gas torch, electric soldering iron, hard and fusible solder, flux (necessary to remove the oxide film and prevent oxidation).

Sequencing

1. Preliminary preparation pipes: cleaning surfaces, removing oxide film with flux.

Flux is a chemical substance that helps distribute the solder in an even layer and cleans the base metal of oxides and contaminants. When choosing it, the type of metal and solder is taken into account. Multi-component fluxes are more effective and allow for even better soldering.

Professional soldering equipment

The substance is applied only to the junction of the pipe and the socket, and not inside it. Immediately after applying flux, the pipes are connected so that foreign particles do not fall on the working surface. Rotate the pipe in the fitting so that the flux is distributed evenly; any remaining chemical is removed with a rag. The pipe is ready for heating.

1. Inserting the pipe into the coupling. Afterwards you will need to solder two joints. Or the end of one pipe is connected to the end of another, then you need to process one joint.
2. Heating the pipes (to a temperature slightly below the melting point). Turn on the burner using a reducing flame (it creates the maximum temperature) and heat the connection. Use a soldering iron for copper pipes or a torch with piezo ignition - it is easy to use.
3. Injecting solder into the gap. For copper there is big choice solders The heated material is placed in the gap between the pipes to be connected and the molten mass is wrapped around the joint between the pipes. The melting temperature of solder is always lower than that of the base material. The solder spreads when it reaches a certain temperature. It is important that working surface was not oxidized and clean.
4. Solder crystallization. At this point, it is important to keep the connection still. When the solder cools, a tight seal will form at the joint. After soldering, technological washing is carried out to remove contaminants and flux residues.

Solder is applied to the mounting gap. If the pipe diameter is large, additional solder is introduced with opposite side

Important points

To solder a hole in a copper pipe, you need soft solder (for example, tin-lead) and alcohol-rosin flux. Cut the patch to the required size and sand it and the pipe. Drain the water from the pipeline and heat the parts to be connected with a soldering iron. Then add solder to the gap.

Air flow is required during operation. The smoke coming from solder and flux is harmful.

To perform the process correctly, it is important to know how to solder a copper tube. Use: silver with copper and zinc, copper with phosphorus. Lead solders are not used in drinking pipelines due to their toxicity.

Flux is not used when connecting copper pipes using copper-phosphorus solders.

Before starting soldering, it is necessary to purge the oxygen and propane hoses. Lighting the burner starts with the propane line, then oxygen is added. The heating of the pipes should be uniform on each side. At the end of the work, first turn off the oxygen and then the propane.

Video instruction: how to solder copper pipes

Soldering is a physical and chemical process in which a permanent connection is created between a part and liquid solder. The filler material melts, spreads, fills the gap between the joined elements and crystallizes. Any metals and alloys can be soldered.