How to properly adjust the burner to solder copper pipes. How to solder copper pipes: the soldering process, the right tool. Installation of copper pipes with pipes made of other materials

Copper pipes are widely used in everyday life and industry. Of these, pipelines are constructed to move cold and hot water, heat, gas, oil. These products are not subject to corrosion, strong, durable, do not emit harmful substances, so they are used to submit drinking water. Excellent resistance to high temperatures and pressures. Copper tubes are present in air conditioners and refrigerators, other household appliances. However, nothing is eternal, which is why copper pipes can leak for various reasons. The repair of a copper pipe is fundamentally different from the restoration of steel or plastic products.

As opposed to using welding work when joining or repairing steel pipes, for copper pipelines, soldering is used with special materials, tools and methods. The creation of networks from copper brazed structures allows you to save on various connecting elements. And if you do the work yourself, you won’t have to pay third-party specialists for it. However, do not think that everything is so simple. Do-it-yourself soldering of copper pipes is a responsible process and requires special care and some skills in using tools and working methods.

How and what to solder copper

There are only two ways to connect copper pipes:

Soldering in high temperature conditions, or "solid", when a value from 600 to 900 degrees is reached during the production of work. The solder in this case is refractory, and the seam is obtained with high strength characteristics. This method is used to create pipelines designed to work with large loads.
Soldering at low temperatures, up to 450 degrees, is usually used for domestic needs. It is called "soft", as the process uses low-melting solder for soldering copper pipes.

It is impossible to obtain a strong and reliable soldering without the use of the following tools, consumables and accessories:

a pipe cutter is necessary so that the cuts of the workpieces are even and strictly perpendicular to the main axis;
beveler is needed to clean the cut edges from burrs; fixtures are round and pencil-shaped; round ones are more convenient, but applicable for pipes with a diameter of not more than 36 mm;
soldering equipment - the main tool, which is used as an electric soldering iron or a compact propane gas burner;
expander - a device with which the edges of pipes are prepared for docking; the depth of processing is determined by the diameter of the workpiece;
solder is designed for each mode; used for high temperature soldering copper wire containing phosphorus, low-temperature soldering of copper pipes is performed with tin wire or using lead;
the flux can be used in solid or liquid form, alkaline or acid, depending on the conditions of the work; it helps to remove the oxide layer from the joined parts, which contributes to a better connection of metal and solder; sometimes a special paste for soldering copper pipes is replaced with rosin.

With a view to more convenient adjustment temperature regime in the area of adhesion work is used industrial dryer. Using various nozzles, you can most accurately direct hot air to the right place. This tool is needed to create Better conditions for efficient soldering with low-melting solder by preheating the joint. Also in the work you will definitely need sandpaper with fine powder, a metal brush, rags, brushes, brushes.

Features of copper soldering

The production of work on joining two segments of pipe blanks to each other or with a fitting begins with the processing of the ends. The fitting must be selected according to desired diameter and given configuration. In the case of connecting two pipes, the edge of one of them is expanded special tool. Then you need to clean the surfaces to be joined to a copper sheen, using a fine sandpaper. It turns out that from one end it is done from the inside, from the other - from the outside. Dust is removed with a soft brush or cloth.

If the solder does not have the ability to self-flux, then to the place of joining thin layer flux is applied. For this purpose, a regular brush is used. Using a torch for soldering copper pipes, the area to be soldered is heated. The main condition is that the heating should be uniform. Usually one minute is enough. Solder is applied to the hot area, which is distributed evenly, moving it simultaneously with the burner. From the resulting temperature, the solder melts and holds the pipes together.

In the case of working with a soldering iron, the solder is heated from the tip of the tool. With any type of adhesive work, a certain amount of experience is required. Because in order to obtain the desired result, it is necessary, firstly, to prevent overheating of materials. Secondly, you need to try to achieve optimal value temperature for better solder melting. Both of those are bad. Since insufficient heat will cause the solder to stick to the copper, rather than a strong joint. If overheating is allowed, then the flux, which helps to evenly distribute the solder, will burn out and the connection will also not turn out to be strong.

When installing copper pipes from short lengths, the previous joint should be cooled before proceeding with the connection of the next one. In order not to wait too long to cool down naturally, you can help by laying on a rag soaked in cold water.

And further. If repairs are being made operating pipeline, then it must be completely freed from liquid and dried thoroughly. So how to solder copper pipes wet is not possible.

Why are copper pipes so popular?

By itself, copper is a soft metal that can be easily forged. In terms of electrical conductivity, it ranks second after silver, therefore it is actively used in the electrical industry. For sanitary products, this metal in its pure form is not suitable due to its high ductility. For the manufacture of pipeline products and fittings, copper alloys are used, the composition of which is regulated state standards. Pipe products are made in a cold way (called cold-drawn or cold-rolled) or by hot pressing. Regarding the pricing policy, products made of copper-containing alloys are more expensive than their counterparts made of steel, plastic or metal-plastic. But the costs are more than covered useful properties and excellent operating parameters. It:

long service life in the most difficult conditions use - more than 50 years; cases of operation up to 100 years are known;
absolute resistance to corrosion and chlorinated water;
the ability to work in a wide temperature range without changing its technical characteristics;
relatively low weight, due to which it is easy to transport, mount and process;
on the internal surfaces salt and other deposits are not formed, since the products inside have increased smoothness;
the presence of antibacterial properties, therefore copper pipes are recommended for transporting drinking water.

The high heat transfer of pipes allows them to be actively used for the manufacture of heat exchangers and cooling systems. They are indispensable in the construction of air conditioners and refrigeration units. However, copper is not recommended to be combined with other metals, in order to avoid a possible reaction. Products can be damaged by strongly pronounced aggressive liquids and solid impurities.

Cons of copper pipes

The main disadvantage of copper is its high price. A pipeline made of this material will cost much more than steel or plastic. But this shortcoming pays off due to a long operating time. Any alloy with a copper component is easily susceptible to external deformations. Mechanical influences are completely excluded here. assembly process can not be called too laborious, but there are difficulties. The sequence and composition of the soldering procedure must be strictly observed, as well as to have certain skills and experience for this.

For transporting hot water, copper alloys can only be used with great care. Such a pipeline should be laid in hard-to-reach places. In connection with a high degree thermal conductivity of the material, products from it quickly heat up. If handled carelessly, you can get burned. Significant heat losses will also occur. But this "trouble" is dealt with quite simply - by arranging heat-insulating coatings from special polymers.

Scope of application

The scope of pipe products from copper-containing alloys is very wide. Namely:

housing and communal services and private owners;
construction;
energy;
engineering industry;
instrumentation;
production of household appliances.

Of these, they perform cooler circulation systems in refrigeration equipment and air conditioners various types and capacities. As well as hydraulic oil devices. Copper tubes used for tying technological equipment, for the arrangement of water supply and heating networks. With their participation, pipelines for pumping fuel are being built. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

It is no secret that copper pipes in terms of flexibility, heat resistance and durability are much better than pipes made of steel, cast iron, PVC pipes. Copper is quite an expensive material, but the price corresponds to the quality and increased durability. Of course, you can save money if you mount the pipes yourself, but for this you need to be able to use a torch or a soldering iron. Here is a guide on how to use electric soldering iron solder copper pipes.

An electric soldering iron is designed for soldering copper pipes. It is convenient to use where it is not possible to use gas burner. These are places near tiles, wallpaper, combustible materials, etc. The soldering iron, depending on the manufacturer, can work from different types electricity. Soldering irons powered by 220V are lighter than their counterparts powered through step-down devices. When purchasing a soldering iron, you need to pay attention to some of its specifications. The higher the power value of the soldering iron, the faster the parts will heat up and be soldered. From the power, it also depends on what diameter of the pipe we can warm up. The higher it is, the larger the diameter of the pipes can be soldered. Also pay attention to the heating temperature. The higher it is, the faster the soldering process will take place. An important factor when buying a soldering iron is its weight. If the soldering iron is used stationary, then the weight does not have of great importance. But if it needs to be transported from object to object, then this is an important factor.

The advantage of an electric soldering iron for soldering copper pipes is that there is no open flame. And this makes this fire soldering method safe. The soldering iron also withstands temperature regime(900 ° C, no more, no less) avoiding overheating of the pipe. So for a beginner, this is the perfect way to solder.

What kind of soldering iron? Everything is very simple, it is a tongs at the ends, which are fixed with replaceable graphite electrodes. When working, to heat up the joint with graphite electrodes, we grab the pipe above the joint by the previously cleaned pipe surface. Due to the high resistance of graphite electrodes, the copper pipe is heated. The surface must be cleaned to prolong the life of the graphite electrodes. The quality of the cleaning of places for electrodes depends on how many joints we can solder on one pair, the average resource is 100 - 150 joints.

We proceed to the soldering process using the example of a copper pipe Ø22 mm. To work on the installation of copper pipes, we will need the following tools: pipe cutter (blade for copper and stainless steel), beveler, metal brush for stripping pipes, abrasive paper, soldering flux, solder, soldering iron.

Cut the pipe to the desired length with a pipe cutter. After cutting the tube, a sharp edge remains on its inner wall. The edge must be removed with a chamfer. Then, using a metal brush, clean the inner diameter of our tube from burrs.

Let's check the quality of stripping with a finger (neatly) the inner diameter should be absolutely smooth. Also, with the help of an abrasive skin, we clean outside diameter to a shine on the size of the connection plus a place for soldering iron brushes (5-10 cm). This operation is needed to remove the oxide film on the copper, which can affect the quality of soldering. We also prepare our fitting or a corner, a tee, we clean its inner diameter, where the connection with the tube will take place.

The next step in our soldering is the application of the flux. Apply flux to the outer diameter of the pipe. And on the inner diameter of our connecting product. We apply the flux with a brush, we do not regret it. Next, we connect the two parts together. Be sure to scroll so that the flux is evenly distributed over the plane of the connection. Wipe excess flux with a cloth. We expose our connection in a vice for greater convenience and proceed to soldering.

Let's take our soldering iron, with graphite brushes we grab the tube for the stripped part above our connection. The tube and connection begin to heat up. We wait until the flux boils and a silver tint appears. Then we bring the solder to the end of the connection. It melts and is drawn into the joint due to the capillary effect created by the molten flux. One touch of solder on one side of the joint and the opposite. In order for the seam of the joint to be of high quality and beautiful, it is necessary that excess solder does not get into the joint. This must be observed when we solder. The length of the solder wire required for soldering should be approximately half the length of the circumference of the parts to be joined.

Now consider the question of why such a fast soldering copper pipes. As we have already said, the soldering principle is based on capillary retraction. What is causing this effect? There is always a gap between our parts in the connection. Depending on the diameters of the solder used, it can be different, the larger the diameter, the larger the gap. The flux melts and capillary forces pull the solder into its place. The seam is nice and neat.

It is very important to pay attention to correct connection details. The parts must be connected with a uniform gap along the circumference of the connection. If there is no gap in any place, then there will be no penetration, since there will be no capillary effect there. And this means that such a connection will leak and will have to be soldered. To avoid such cases, you must first assemble the structure without soldering. Then make marks on the connections for ease of connection when installing pipes. Solder the most inconvenient joints first. Such as the upper joints, which are difficult to get close to if you solder the entire structure, and then solder the upper joint in place. It is also important to pay attention to the quality surfaces of our parts. All details must be perfect surfaces. Dents, ovality of diameters, are not allowed in any case. This will affect the quality of the soldering and the life of our connections.

For soldering copper pipes, there are two types of solders, soft and hard. Soft solder has more low temperature melting (425 o C) than solid (460 o C - 560 o C). Soft solder is used to connect pipes in boiler rooms, water pipes in heating systems, etc. Where there is not much high pressure. This solder melts easily and solder joints well. Hard solder melts at a higher temperature. Used on pressurized pipes such as air conditioning systems in the refrigeration industry. Where you need increased tightness, and resistance to vibration. The advantage of hard solder is that when working with it, you do not need to apply flux, there is no need to clean the joints. This results in higher performance. But building codes and regulations regulate its use only in the refrigeration industry. The disadvantage of this solder is its very high price.

We draw a conclusion. If you are not in the repair business refrigeration equipment then you don't need hard solder. Because soft solders in other sectors they are not inferior to anything. The most important thing is to do everything technical requirements to providence soldering. And in particular, to clean the joints, make sure that the joints are even without distortions, add required amount solder. And your connections will be reliable and tight.

This is what you found out how to solder copper pipes!

Soldering of copper pipes water supply network is in a standard way for connecting two or more parts of a conventional copper pipe to each other. The junction (seam) of the solder forms a strong, waterproof hydraulic seal that will last for decades or even longer if done correctly. In reality, correct seam solder is less likely to leak than the rest of the copper pipe, where a tiny leaky hole can lead to chemical erosion.

For many homeowners, the thought of any soldering work plumbing system seems quite complicated. We all foresee that our basements or living quarters may fill with water due to some mistake or oversight in own work. The point is that basically soldering, including soldering pipes as described in this article, is a relatively simple job that any interested homeowner can safely do with just a few specialized tools.

This article covers the basics of soldering copper pipes. If you are looking for more information, we strongly encourage you to explore this and other topics in more detail.

How to solder copper pipes

Before soldering copper pipes, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the theory of what these materials are and what options are used in engineering communication networks. Majority water pipes in the house they have a 3/8" thread; and 3/4" in diameter. The main water supply lines are 25.4 mm, while small structures (for example, to a refrigerator-icemaker) can be as small as 9.5 mm. The nominal diameter of the product is always 3.2 mm smaller than the outside diameter. Wall copper pipe dimensions vary depending on its size so that the inner diameter is always an approximate nominal width. Plumbing copper pipes are sold with three various thicknesses walls (with designations K, L or M), and can be hard or soft.

In order to connect two pieces of copper pipe together, you must use a coupler or other types of fittings, such as a tee. They have an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter. The tee and the valve are closely adjacent to the copper pipe and are intended for soldering to it. In order to connect two structures instead of three, a coupling should be used, not a tee.

How to choose solder for copper pipes

The list of tools and materials for standard soldering is not that long and complicated. They can be easily found in your own stock or at a plumbing supply store.

1. Soldering plumbing (not lead-based). Solder for copper pipes is sold in the form of wire or rods. It melts at a lower temperature than copper, making it suitable for joining two copper pipes when heated.

2. Cleaning brush. Used to clean the inside of fittings and pipes from the outside to prepare them for soldering. Fine sandpaper can be used as an alternative, but this tool will make the task easier.

3. Small propane torch and welding switch mechanism. Used to heat the pipe and fitting for connection.

4. Soldering flux. Used to coat pipes and fittings to prepare them for soldering.

5. Fine sandpaper for plumbing. Used for grinding pipes.

6. Heat resistant lining.

7. Copper pipe and fittings.

Advice: soldering is alternative way connections and promotes even more high strength seam. Brazed joints are achieved more by various filler metals (such as high brazed alloys BCuP or BAg) than by the solder joints themselves, however these alloys require significantly more heat to reach their melting point. It is possible to find solder joints even, for example, on refrigeration piping, but soldering is not necessary in the plumbing of most residential premises.

We prepare solder for soldering copper pipes and surfaces

This guide does not cover soldering a seam that is already part of the home plumbing. However, if you are going to work in such an environment, these steps are very important. Regardless environment, you should always take precautions to protect the area where the propane torch will heat up the pipe.

Remember that solder for soldering copper pipes is prepared in advance in accordance with the instructions attached to it.

Turn off tap water in the house by opening the lowest valve (for example, a communal sewer in the basement) to drain all the water. Water in the joint will prevent the pipe from heating up and cause the job to fail. It may also be necessary to open a pipe on the top floor of the house to relieve the vacuum pressure.

Disconnect all PVC plumbing systems from the adjacent copper (newer homes may have a PVC/copper piping connection). You will have to work with a propane torch with a flame temperature of up to 1000°C, so protect objects around the entire seam area from the heat. Make sure there are no combustible materials nearby and that you put a heat shield between the burner and flammable materials such as wood spacers. The help of a partner may be helpful.

Provide adequate ventilation in working area, open doors and windows and try turning on the fan. Do the best you can more work on the workbench. If you are making multiple stitches, work them outside if possible. plumbing system.

Copper pipe soldering technology

The technology of soldering copper pipes involves cleaning the surfaces as a first step. Using a brush, clean outer surface pipes and fittings from the inside. After that, they must be completely cleaned of contaminants, and a shine should appear on them.

Sand the pipe and fitting (small metal particles on the surfaces may prevent an easy connection). Try to dry the connecting parts of the piping so that they join easily, and if they do not fit easily and tightly, clean the surface further using a brush or fine sandpaper (as shown below).

After the fitting has successfully dried, separate the pipe and fitting and apply plumbing soldering flux to the outside pipes and inside the fitting. During soldering, the plumbing flux will evaporate and turn the solder into a seam, forming a seal around its entire perimeter.

Soldering copper pipes step by step

Light the propane burner and turn the heat to medium. Note: Most burners will generate more flame when tilted down. So be careful to keep the burner at a constant level. Aim the flame directly at the seam. It will heat up in about 20-60 seconds. Note that the figure below shows that the valve is closed. As for the valve - it is better that it be open. This is necessary to reduce the risk of damage.

Press down on the solder to create a mounting gap between the fitting and the pipe. When the seam is hot enough, the solder will melt and, through the effect of capillary action, will turn into a seam. As the solder begins to melt, move the flame all the way around the entire joint to avoid overheating any one area. When the solder covers the seam from the outside, it becomes uniform. Turn off the heat and let the pipe cool. Clean up excess flux, as this can corrode the metal inside the plumbing and cause a tiny hole that can leak.

What to remember to do when soldering copper pipes is completed

If you followed these instructions, the seam is likely to be very tight. The only one good way checks - put pressure on him by turning on the water in the house. Be sure to wait for the solder to cool (2-3 minutes) before pressurizing the plumbing to avoid cracking the solder due to sudden temperature changes.

Add-ons

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, to get additional information For these and other piping topics, we strongly recommend that you study this topic in more detail, as well as other home plumbing guides. Good luck with your plumbing work!

Copper communications are today a rare, but extremely reliable option for water supply and heating of a private house. The prevailing opinion about the difficulties of installing copper pipelines is not absolutely confirmed in practice. Self-brazing of copper pipes is available for a non-professional, if he knows the process technology and owns the tools. Master the intricacies of connecting copper pipes, assemble your own plumbing and you will never have to deal with communications again.

Copper pipes are good because they are: not subject to corrosion, have a service life of more than half a century, soft enough not to be afraid of water freezing in them. Copper is a perfectly smooth material, which prevents the formation of plaque in pipes, and the material also has bactericidal properties.

Note! The composition of copper pipe material for domestic communications should be 99% pure copper. Alloys with "additives" form poorly soluble oxides on the surface, which prevents high-quality soldering.

There are two types of copper pipes, depending on the method of their manufacture:

annealed;
unannealed.

These pipes may have the same composition, but differ dramatically in physical properties.

Annealed pipes are flexible pipe material. The degree of flexibility can be judged by the fact that they are sold in coils wound like a hose. The flexibility of annealed pipes is a big plus during installation. From them, you can form different configurations without using additional parts. This gives material savings on fittings and consumables. Reduces labor costs, fewer connections are used.

And although these pipes are considered less strong than unannealed ones, their safety margin is quite enough for communications in individual houses.

Unannealed pipes are not subjected to additional processing- they remain rigid. You can buy such material by direct runs, like the usual steel ones. The wiring of unannealed communications is carried out using fittings.

The need for soldering copper pipes, which is not difficult to perform, given all the features this process, occurs in situations where it is required to carry out installation or repair of water supply and air conditioning systems where they are used. Soldering copper pipes with your own hands or by attracted professionals is a great opportunity create a water supply system in your house or apartment, which many experts call eternal.

The essence of the process

The pipeline created in this way, due to the use of copper pipes during its installation, is highly reliable and exceptionally durable. Of course, such a system has a rather high cost, but it is fully justified by those unique characteristics that he possesses. What is important, copper pipes can be used both in plumbing and in heating systems. In both cases, they demonstrate the highest reliability and durability.

The simplest and most reliable way to install such systems is to solder copper pipes. This connection technology has been used for a long time, it is well studied and does not cause any problems in practical implementation. The essence of this method is that the joint between the parts to be joined is filled special composition which is called solder. In order for the solder for soldering copper pipes to get in and fill the joint between the parts, it is melted under the influence of high temperature. After the heating of the solder stops, and it has already completely filled the future seam, it solidifies, forming a reliable, tight and durable joint.

Copper soldering is also convenient because, if necessary, the connected elements of the pipeline can always be easily separated. To do this, it is enough to heat the junction to make the solder soft and pliable.

What is needed for soldering copper pipes

Soldering copper pipes, which is not difficult to do with your own hands, does not require expensive equipment and any special materials. In order to properly implement it, you will need the following devices.

In addition to flux, solder and other basic elements, to solder copper pipes, you will also need additional tools, which can be found in every workshop or garage. To solder or weld copper products, additionally prepare:

regular marker;
roulette;
building level;
a small brush with stiff bristles;
a hammer.

Before starting work, it is also important to decide how to solder copper pipes. There can be two main options: brazing copper (less often used) and using solder soft type. When solving this issue, it is important to proceed from the fact that there are requirements for the use of one or another type of solder. So, hard solders are used for soldering elements of refrigeration units and air conditioners. In all other cases (water supply systems, heating systems, etc.), tin wire can be used. But whatever technology is chosen, it should be remembered that the flux is necessary in any case.

Copper pipe soldering technology

Soldering or welding and heating, air conditioning and any other devices is quite easy. The algorithm for performing such an operation is as follows.

First you need to cut a piece of pipe of the required length, for which a pipe cutter is used. It is very important to place the tool perpendicular to the axis of the pipe so that the cut is as smooth as possible.
After the pipe is cut, it must be cleaned. To clean the surface of the product, a metal brush is used, and its end is freed from burrs and metal dust with a brush. In no case should sandpaper be used for these purposes, as it will leave fine sand on the surface of the pipe, which will impair the adhesion of the solder to the base metal.
For whatever purpose you are soldering copper pipes, for air conditioners, refrigerators or heating systems, the edge of one of them must be expanded. The diameter of the end of one of the pipes should be increased to such a value that the other end quietly enters it, leaving only a small gap.
The expanded end of the pipe should also be cleaned using a wire brush, not sandpaper or cleaning paste.
Flux must be applied to the end of the smaller pipe before soldering. It is very important to evenly distribute the flux during its application, otherwise its excess will get inside the pipe and form frozen drops there, which will create noise when the liquid moves through it.

Before soldering, the prepared ends of the pipes should be inserted into each other, after which you can start soldering by wiping off the excess flux with a damp cloth. In order for the connection to turn out to be of high quality and reliable, it is necessary to warm up the pipes to be joined before using the solder. Heating can be considered sufficient when the flux applied to one of the pipes becomes silvery.

After preheating the joint, solder is brought to it, which begins to melt from high temperature and fills the joint space. The process is also facilitated by the principle of capillarity, due to which the molten solder fills the gap between the pipes. Soldering is completed at the moment when it completely fills the gap between the connected pipes. This process is very well seen on the video, which is filmed by many experts.

After soldering, the pipes should be allowed to cool down and in no case should they be exposed to mechanical impact. The cooled seam can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any remaining flux from it.

Now you know how to solder copper pipes. The video below will allow you to more clearly study the soldering process.

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