Sweating Copper with a wet pipe

[rleinen]

Please help! I just learned to sweat copper last weekend and all the joints I did with dry pipe went smoothly and dont leak. But I have to solder to a pipe that still has water in it which I havent been able to get leak-free. Of course Ive 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, Im guessing where the steam is going out. Even with a half hour under the torch, the line still has some steam in it. Im using flux, have sanded clean the pipe and tee, etc. Is there a trick I dont know about?!! THANKS!

[Wade RogersParticipant]

: Please help! I just learned to sweat copper last weekend and all the joints I did with dry pipe went smoothly and dont leak. But I have to solder to a pipe that still has water in it which I havent been able to get leak-free. Of course Ive 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, Im guessing where the steam is going out. Even with a half hour under the torch, the line still has some steam in it. Im using flux, have sanded clean the pipe and tee, etc. Is there a trick I dont 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.

[Wade RogersParticipant]

: : spend 3 bucks, buy a union, make it your last joint, done.

[Wade RogersParticipant]

Much cheaper solution. Plug the pipe with some cheap paste bread (Wonder – type bread). It will hod the water back, allowing you to sweat the joint, then dissolve when you turn the water back on. Works every time.PS I am sure regular bakery bread will work too, but make sure you donot use crust. Paste bread seems to dissolve better.

[Wade RogersParticipant]

: Much cheaper solution. Plug the pipe with some cheap paste bread (Wonder – type bread). It will hod the water back, allowing you to sweat the joint, then dissolve when you turn the water back on. Works every time.: PS I am sure regular bakery bread will work too, but make sure you donot use crust. Paste bread seems to dissolve better.This bread thing drives me crazy.Im a professional, never have I or never will I use bread. If you know what your doing its easy.

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