Posted by blm189 on September 28, 1999 at 08:20:19:

In Reply to: Sweating Copper with a wet pipe posted by Wade Rogers on September 28, 1999 at 03:15:34:

: Please help! I just "learned" to sweat copper last weekend and all the joints I did with dry pipe went smoothly and don't leak. But I have to solder to a pipe that still has water in it which I haven't been able to get leak-free. Of course I've shut off the supply and opened every valve inside and out to drain what I can from the line. I have to hold the torch on the pipe for a very long time before it gets hot enough to melt the solder (steam comes out of the pipe all the while, but towards the end it slows down). Every time there seems to be a small leak, I'm guessing where the steam is going out. Even with a half hour under the torch, the line still has some steam in it. I'm using flux, have sanded clean the pipe and tee, etc. Is there a trick I don't know about?!! THANKS!

-you must get rid of the water, especially on small lines. the expansion and contraction of air or water will keep the open.
-I have used a wet vac to clear the lines.
-fitting are made with a pet cock that you open to allow steam etc to escape while the joint is made. I use the coupling ever so often in wet situtations.

Replies:

• Re: Sweating Copper with a wet pipe kenny b 13:42:49 9/28/99 (2)
  • Use bread andy 00:06:37 9/30/99 (1)
    • Re: Use bread kenny b 08:05:59 9/30/99 (0)