Soldered Joints

These are joints that have been made with direct heat from a source such as a Blowlamp. Harrow Boiler Repair use this kind of fitting.

There are two types of soldered joints those being:

Solder Ring Fittings. (contain ring of solder).
End Feed Fittings. (require solder from a reel).

NOTE: Solder used for Hot or Cold water supplies must be Lead Free.

These joints are made as follows:

1). Clean the mating surfaces of the pipe and inside the fitting. This can be done with wire wool or Nylon cleaning pad.

2). Apply a suitable flux to the clean surfaces. Flux is a special paste that is readily available in plumbing retail outlets and is applied in order to keep the area clean whilst the soldering is done and also allowing the molten solder to stick to the copper and flow easily.

3). Ensure that there is no water at all in the pipe otherwise this will cool the area and not allow the solder to melt and flow.

4). Using a Blowlamp or a soldering machine, apply heat to assembled joint to melt the solder. Apply the solder as soon as it melts so as not to burn away the flux. In cases where solder fittings have been used, the solder will be seen running from the mouth of the fitting so remove the heat source.

5). Take all precautions relating to combustible materials in the vicinity of the heat source as it is quite easy to start a fire with the intense heat should it come into contact with theses materials.

6). Always allow the newly soldered joint to cool fully after soldering to ensure a good sound fit.

7). Finally always wipe away any residual flux that may be present on the pipe after soldering as this will make the pipe green with corrosion if left.

Should the joint leak when it is tested, it should be completely replaced with a new fitting. The leak is probably down to a dirty joint. Professional plumbers such as Harrow Boiler Breakdown is qualified in the different types of pipe jointing.




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