How to Solder Copper Pipes Successfully

I've been a plumbing contractor for 30 years and the instruction
seems good. I would add that a pair of cotton gloves is a good way
to wipe the joint after it is soldered. A word of caution however
do not disturb the joint to much or you'll get a leak. I have
always used Map gas because it is hotter and better results are
obtained with 3/4" pipe and larger. A word of caution about
overheating a joint (the flame begins to turn green)because it will
permanently expand a fitting and a leak is likely. Cleaning copper
pipe with a roll of emery cloth is best performed by kneeling with
the copper pipe on the inside crook of your knee.There are many
types of copper pipe but for the novice Type M with red writing is
the thinest for water supply. Type L with blue writing is thicker
and more expensive. Some plumbers still use a water spray bottle to
cool the joint but such an approach could cause differential
cooling of the pipe inside the fitting (the pipe will contract away
from the fitting)and a leak could ensue. Be paitient and let the
joint cool on its own unless you are soldering in an area that may
be a fire hazard like lotsa of wood around in which case I'd
recomeend spraying the whole area down with water before
soldering.A spray bottle of water is de rigeur for all soldering
around flamables.Any one doing a very large soldering job like a
house or room addition should invest in a small metal tool box to
house all the supplies and tools. If you want a list of what's in
my solder box let me know.Peter Dittler

No comments. Just joining

hint from an old how to plumbing book. ive used it!!!when
attaching new copper to old copper lines , dry them out as much as
possible, then plug the end with a bit of white bread (or bun) as
you heat this will absorb any condensation, then burn up to ash by
the time you are done, washing out with the first run of the tap.
also, remove the aerator from the tap before opening to allow all
the ash and crumb to flow out freely.

The Stevia article was nice to find. I've been using it as a
sweetner for several years. I used to use Aspartame but didn't
realize how it can ravage the human body until I broke my back just
by sitting down one day. My Doctor ordered a Bone Density Test and
the results showed my bone density to be very low. I was put on a
medication that builds bone density.While searching the Internet I
found a Web Site just loaded with information people have known
about for years, including the F&DA, regarding the terrible
effects Aspartame use has. So, it has been allowed to continue it's
wide spread use for over 20 years. It's FAR TOO profitable for the
maker to allow it to be banned for use in our processed food
supply, accordingly it continues to poison countless thousands of
people every day. I subsequently found out how it attracts the
Calcium in our teeth and bones. I'm convinced the Aspartame I
previously consumed, sucked the Calcium out of my bones to the
point I broke my back. By the way, the process of loosing Calcium
from your bones is known as: Osteoporosis. I believe more people
should be made aware of the dangers of this deadly POISON. Ray
Ebert Las Vegas, Nevada raybertiii@hotmail.com