How to properly solder copper pipes. How to solder copper pipes with an electric soldering iron. Joint formation during low-temperature soldering

Heating systems, as well as plumbing, are usually made from copper pipes. The cost of copper is quite high, however, due to its high strength and performance characteristics, copper is most often used for such purposes. Among other advantages, it is necessary to highlight antibacterial and anti-corrosion properties, as well as excellent thermal conductivity. Thus, copper has found very wide application. Therefore, you should learn how to properly solder copper pipes if such a need suddenly arises.

Preparing for soldering - what do you need to know about this process?

At the moment, copper can be soldered in two main ways, which differ from each other in heating temperature. The high-temperature method involves increasing the temperature to 900 degrees Celsius; this method has proven itself well in pipelines where the pressure on the walls is maximum. To solder copper pipes using the high-temperature method, you will need special materials, including high-melting flux and hard solder. Ordinary solder will not work here, since only its solid counterpart reaches the required melting point.

The low-temperature soldering method is much simpler, since the metal is heated only to 500 degrees, although 380 degrees Celsius is usually sufficient. At home, various copper elements are usually welded using this method. To work, we need standard flux, which melts at the specified temperatures, as well as a rod or wire with a diameter of up to 3 mm. If we talk about solder, then it should be soft - a 97 percent alloy of tin with metals, for example, antimony, silver or selenium, is perfect.

In order for the soldered parts to be firmly and firmly bonded to each other, it is necessary to select the appropriate flux. Flux is a special substance that resembles a paste in consistency and contains zinc chloride. This substance is applied in a fairly thick layer to the surface of a pipe or any other copper part. The functions of flux are quite diverse, among the most important are the following:

• Allows solder to spread evenly over the soldering area;
• A kind of indicator that makes it possible to determine the right moment to apply solder and begin the copper soldering process;
• Significantly improves the adhesion of copper and solder;
• Almost completely removes oxygen, which prevents oxidation of metal products.

Soldering is a fairly dangerous process because you have to deal with very high temperatures, even with low-temperature soldering. Therefore, you need to be very careful, while simultaneously observing all safety regulations. All the nuances of the work should be taken into account, because hot metal is just as dangerous to human health as the burner itself. In addition, copper is an excellent heat conductor, which helps to heat a huge area of ​​the pipe, and not just the area directly being soldered.

If it is necessary to weld copper elements that are not built into the pipeline system, it is necessary to prepare for this process in advance. For such cases, special non-flammable supports are provided on which the copper elements can remain for the time required for them to cool completely.

Equipment and materials

To complete the task we have planned, we will need a small list of available tools and tools. Most of them should be in the home of any home craftsman, while the rest can be purchased at hardware stores or borrowed from friends. Here is the list of materials:

1. 1. Solder.
2. 2. Soldering flux.
3. 3. A special expander designed to expand pipes.
4. 4. Bevel remover.
5. 5. A grinder with a thin disk, a hacksaw or a pipe cutter.
6. 6. Soldering iron for copper – a propane torch is perfect for this purpose.
7. 7. Paper napkins.
8. 8. Rubber gloves and safety glasses.

Before starting soldering, it is necessary to cut off a certain section of the copper pipe, for which we will use pipe cutters. This mechanism should be selected based on the diameter of the pipes, as well as their location. After all, working with a large tool in hard-to-reach places will be extremely inconvenient. Grinders and hacksaws can also be suitable for these purposes, however, you will not get such a high-quality cut as when working with a pipe cutter.

The next stage is to remove burrs and roughness at the cut site. Burrs will interfere with high-quality soldering, and their absence has a positive effect on the operation of the pipeline. The fact is that the hangnails remaining after trimming create turbulence in the water flow. If such phenomena do not occur, then the pipeline system does not experience additional loads and operates without deviations. Cleaning is carried out with ordinary sandpaper of medium or high abrasiveness. It is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve perfect smoothness, but absolutely anyone can make sure that the cut surface does not scratch.

After hand grinding, flux can be applied to the outside of the pipe surface.

Experts recommend using gray flux. The peculiarity of this preparation is that heating causes the color of the flux to change from gray to tin. In this case, determining the degree of heating of the metal becomes somewhat easier. The same white flux instantly becomes transparent, therefore, choosing the right moment to apply solder is much more difficult.

Safety precautions include reliable and high-quality rubber gloves that will protect the master’s hands from numerous splinters and hangnails that form when cutting metal products. In addition, some craftsmen use a drill with rotating brush attachments for grinding. Ordinary rag or fabric gloves can easily be chewed when working with such attachments.

There are some soldering features that definitely need to be mentioned. For example, flux can be applied with brushes that do not leave behind hairs or lint. Any debris remaining on the surface of the copper pipe will impair its seal after soldering, which can ultimately lead to water leakage.

What to do if the bristles from the brush still remain on the pipe? There are two ways to eliminate a possible defect:

• It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface again, treat it with orthophosphoric acid, then heat the flux with a soldering iron and apply tin as the final layer;
• Using a burner. To do this, reapply a thin layer of flux to the copper, then apply a layer of solder, heat it to maximum temperatures and melt it.

In any case, after applying the flux, it is necessary to insert the copper pipe into the socket. Regardless of the thickness of the flux, there will definitely be excess. However, you won’t have to wipe them off, since during soldering the so-called capillary effect is triggered and the solder along with the flux is drawn inward. We bring the heating apparatus to the joint so that all the moisture remaining on the pipes finally evaporates. After this, we reheat the apparatus, this time for a sufficiently long time so that the copper has time to heat up and the flux melts to a tin color.

At the moment of the highest temperature, that is, when the flux has acquired the color we need, it is necessary to apply solder, after which the soldering process itself occurs. You need to be very careful as molten metal can flow down the pipe and burn your skin or drip down. A correctly calculated amount of solder will avoid the appearance of excess melt.

Gas torch or soldering iron - features of working with each tool

Skilled craftsmen weld copper elements with the same quality using both a gas torch and an electric soldering iron. In the first case, a little more skill and skill is required, since working with the tool at first can be difficult. This is especially true for hard-to-reach places, for example, soldering a copper radiator when repairing a car. In such cases, use powerful electric soldering irons.

The operating principle itself is always the same. Unless the soldering iron does the job much faster, since its heating speed is higher. In addition, the high-temperature soldering method can only be implemented using a soldering iron, since a gas burner is not capable of heating metal products, including copper.

So it won’t be difficult to repair cracks yourself or solder copper pipes at home. Absolutely everyone can do this.

Have you decided to use copper pipes in the arrangement of your water supply system? Want to create an interesting steampunk style in your bathroom, but don't know how to solder copper pipes? A guide to completing the work for beginners is provided in the material below.

Copper, although high in cost unlike polymers, is still a high-quality material for water supply communications. The advantages of copper include high strength, aesthetic appeal, resistance to corrosion, a tendency to operate under high pressure and excellent thermal conductivity. The copper pipeline will work faithfully for decades.

Copper is a soft metal alloy, which even in ancient times was happily used by minters for their work. Today copper is no less in demand. Pipes made of this alloy are an integral part of heating and air conditioning systems. Plumbing can also be installed using copper elements.

To install the line, a soldering method is used, during which copper elements are connected to solder. This material, made from soft types of metals, melts under the influence of certain temperatures and forms a single sealed connection.

Important: soldering copper pipes with your own hands is not a difficult task. The main thing is to choose the right solder and determine the soldering temperature. It is worth knowing that, despite their high cost, copper pipes do not require additional connecting elements. That is, copper can be connected into a single line and at the same time save on the purchase of fittings, couplings, etc.

Find out how to solder copper pipes and how to do it correctly at home in our material below with detailed video instructions.

Methods for soldering copper pipes

• Low temperature method. Most commonly used at home. Here, soldering occurs using soft solder made of tin, lead or their alloys with the addition of silver. The soldering temperature can reach a maximum of 450 degrees when performing work.
• High temperature method. It is also called brazing of copper pipes. In this case, in order to melt the solder and achieve connection of the main line elements, it is necessary to reach the burner heating temperature in the range of 600-900 degrees.

Tools required to complete the job

• Pipe cutter. Necessary for perfectly even cutting of pipe sections before soldering. Thanks to this tool, the internal lumen of the pipe and its circumference are not disturbed during cutting.
• Bevel remover. Used to clean the edge of the cut and round it inside the pipe for high-quality joining of a water main from several pieces of pipe.
• Pipe expander. It is used if soldering of copper water pipes will be carried out without the use of fittings and couplings. A pipe expander expands one end of the pipe to the required diameter so that a piece of another tube fits tightly into it.
• Brush and ruff for high-quality cleaning of soldered pipes from oxide.
• Reflector. A working element that is attached to the burner nozzle so that the flame does not damage other nearby objects.
• Gas-burner . It is she who supplies the flame to the area of ​​the tube being soldered.

We will discuss what kind of burner you need to prepare below.

Gas stove

In order to properly solder copper water pipes, you need to prepare the appropriate type of torch. They are divided into several types:

• Device with a disposable cylinder for household use;
• Burner with installed stationary cylinder;
• Oxy-acetylene torch, suitable for soldering copper pipes. It is precisely this that needs to be found to complete the work.

In turn, the burner for melting solder and soldering copper may differ in power. You need to choose depending on what kind of solder you will be working with (soft or hard).

• For soldering with soft solder, you can use a low-power semi-professional gas torch with a hot air gun. Such a tool develops a temperature of up to 650 degrees when the flame burns. A distinctive feature of such a device is that here you can regulate the temperature of the flame supply, and at the same time it will remain predetermined and stable.
• Soldering of copper water pipes with hard solder can only be carried out with professional torches.

Solder

To perform reliable soldering, you must purchase solder. It comes in two types - hard and soft.

• Brazing solder is produced in the form of long rods. This solder can be used for soldering pipes for hot water supply, gas supply, air conditioning, or for lines operating at high pressure. The soldering temperature of such solder reaches 900 degrees. The most common types of hard solder are the copper-phosphorus self-fluxing alloy Cu94 P6 and the alloy Cu92 P6 Ag2 with the addition of silver from phosphorus and copper.

Important: this hard solder contains a 6% phosphorus additive, which reduces the soldering temperature to 750 degrees.

• Soft solder is produced in the form of thin wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm. This solder is used when soldering water pipes with your own hands at home.
• There is also a special paste called flux. Available in cans. It must be used for high-quality cleaning of pipe joints, removing oxide from the seam after soldering and improving the melting characteristics of solder. In this case, the flux is available both for soldering at high temperatures (over 450 degrees) and for soldering at low temperatures (up to 450 degrees).

Important: flux promotes better adhesion of solder to copper.

In addition to all the tools, solder and flux, it is also necessary to prepare fittings if there is a need to make turns and bends in the water main. All fittings have a regulated diameter and comply with GOST. The cost of fittings and adapters is quite affordable.

We carry out pipe soldering

The technology for soldering a copper line looks like this:

• Using a pipe cutter, we cut off the required sections of the pipe and clean the edges with a chamfer.
• If a fitting is used, then we thoroughly degrease both its edges and the edges of the tube. If the fitting is not used, then expand the edge of one pipe with a pipe expander.
• We try on the parts to review the evenness of the joints.
• Now we treat the edges of the tubes with a thin layer of flux from the joints.

Important: if high-temperature soldering is carried out using self-fluxing solder, then flux is not needed.

• Now we turn on the gas burner and efficiently heat the pipes at the joints to the specified temperature.
• After this, we place solder in the gaps. In this case, you should ensure that the solder melts strictly from the heated pipe, and not from the burner flame. Press the edges of the tubes carefully.
• After the tubes have cooled, remove the remaining flux and oxide from the copper surface with a cloth.

Important: you should know that the tube warms up and the solder melts within 5 minutes. Therefore, it is important not to overheat the pipes.

Advice: if two pipe sections located close to each other are soldered, then the already treated part of the line must be cooled with a rag soaked in cold water. Otherwise, there is a risk that the soldered joint will separate under the influence of high temperature when the next section of the pipe is heated.

Avoiding mistakes

When soldering copper tubes, novice craftsmen often make a number of common mistakes. These are:

• Poor heating of the main line elements, as a result of which the solder melts incompletely. Such a connection will collapse under any load.
• Excessive overheating of the copper alloy, on the contrary, leads to destruction of the flux layer. This, in turn, will lead to the formation of oxide and scale on the metal surface. This effect will also lead to the destruction of the connection.
• Ignoring security measures. Since the work is carried out with chemical elements and at high temperatures, you should wear protective gloves and a mask.
• When planning to check the connection, you should make sure that the tube at the soldering site has cooled down.
• During the soldering procedure, it is important to ensure good ventilation of the room. This is required by the technology of the work, since soldering is performed using aggressive acidic substances.
• Protective clothing made of rough fabric will also not be superfluous, since there is a risk of flame sparks and solder particles getting on the body, which can lead to burns.

Advice: if you doubt the correctness of heating the pipes to the required temperature, invite an experienced technician to get practice. A professional knows exactly how long it takes copper to heat up to certain temperatures.

Video: technology for soldering copper tubes

Each type of building material requires an individual approach to processing. Often the services of professionals are required, which are not cheap. But if you have certain skills and master the basics, then you can do a lot on your own. For example, soldering copper pipes with your own hands is not as difficult a task as it might seem at first. This article will talk about the necessary tools and nuances of this type of work.

Why copper

Soldering is one of the most reliable methods of connecting pipes. This option will be acceptable if you are going to hide the wiring in the wall without worrying about the fact that something might leak someday and you will have to make expensive repairs. Here are some benefits of using copper:

• Versatility. There are practically no restrictions in use. This could be the plumbing system in your home. With their help you can organize a high-quality heating system. Among other things, such material is used in refrigeration equipment, air conditioners and medical devices.
• Chlorine resistance. Periodic disinfection of water leads to the destruction of ordinary metal, which cannot be said about copper pipes.
• Antiseptic properties. Due to its composition, copper prevents the development of bacteria, the activity of which has a negative impact on human health.
• Long service life. The service life without any intervention can reach 100 years with a guarantee that no emergency situations will arise.
• High plasticity. During installation, the material can be given any desired shape. To do this, it is best to use special pipe benders that prevent bending.
• Availability of material and fittings for connection.
• Resistant to temperature changes. The spread can range from –100°C to + 250°C. At the same time, the metal does not lose its properties and strength.
• Resistant to build-up and blockages. The inner walls are very smooth, so there is simply nothing for solid particles to catch on.
• Oxidation resistance. When interacting with oxygen, a protective film is formed on the surface of copper, which prevents further chemical reactions from occurring.

Usually, everything cannot be perfect, so the choice should be approached taking into account two sides of the coin. There are also disadvantages:

• Relatively high cost. It is true that in terms of monetary costs such material cannot be called cheap, but the result obtained will be many times superior and more than compensates for all costs.
• Copper is a good conductor. This means that the entire circuit must be grounded. The slightest leak in the electrical network will lead to electric shock to consumers.
• Impossibility of use in steam heating. This only applies to those types where the low temperature soldering method is used.
• Some difficulty in installation. In order to do everything efficiently, you will need to get used to it and spend a lot of time.
• The need to use a protective sleeve. This is more of a feature than a drawback. Such a solution will be required in cases where there is a need to make hidden wiring. The fact is that some building mixtures may contain substances that interact well with copper, leading to thinning of the pipe walls.
• When connecting to other metals, such as steel, the use of brass adapters will be required. This is necessary to prevent the formation of a galvanic couple, which would lead to destruction of the joint.

Note! Recently, chrome-plated copper pipes have become increasingly popular. It is used in the furniture industry. It can be used to make various intricate stands and holders.

Types of copper pipes

Depending on the specific purpose, copper pipes can be endowed with unique properties. According to the production method there are:

• Annealed. This option was developed for projects requiring high ductility. For example, they are used when laying freon lines. Most often, such products are supplied in coils. In some ways it is easier to work with them.
• Unannealed. They have greater strength and rigidity. This is precisely what is necessary in order to withstand the pressure of the system and not be subject to deformation.

There are also different shapes of products. Most often, these are round, but there are also profile ones - square and rectangular. The second subtype has a specific application for some refrigeration and split systems. The wall thickness can range from 0.8 to 3 mm.

Among other things, finned tubes were developed. Their purpose is to quickly dissipate temperature, whether for cooling or heating. Oversized structures. Can be used instead of steel and cast iron radiators. Production of the structure can occur in several ways:

• Rolling method. A copper pipe of the required diameter is taken as the basis, and an aluminum strip is pressed on top. Using special machines, ribs are extruded onto the material.
• Pouring method. Directly on the pipe during rolling, a small corrugation is formed. The next step is to press in the profiled aluminum strip that forms the ribs.
• Induction method. The two components are heated by exposure to high frequency current. Next, they are connected, which leads to their fusion.

Note! When purchasing a soft copper pipe, be sure to check that the ends are closed with special plugs. If this is not the case, then debris can easily get inside. For air conditioning systems, this can be a fatal fact.

Temperature conditions

As mentioned above, there are two main types of pipes and each of them has its own soldering method:

• At high temperature. This method is suitable for organizing various heating systems, including steam ones. The solder in this case acquires the required consistency when it reaches 900°C. The joints are quite rigid and resistant to various influences.
• At low temperature. In this case, the process takes place at a temperature of 400° or slightly less. Most often used when installing household systems.

In each case, the appropriate components and compliance with certain requirements will be required.

Necessary tool

In order to successfully complete the copper pipe soldering operation, you will need tools and materials.

There are several varieties of them. Everything will depend on what specific soldering method it is needed for. Some products may have a small removable cylinder, others are equipped with larger containers. For solid or high-temperature compounds, gas-flame variations are used (acetylene-oxygen, oxygen-propane, air-acetylene). For soft - acetylene-air, air-propane. In some situations it is completely impossible to use the devices listed above, so special electrical devices have also been developed. Some types of solders can be processed with a regular hair dryer.

For different types of soldering, different solders are selected. For those systems where high pressure or other loads are planned, it is necessary to use a refractory material. It is usually produced in the form of rods. Its processing temperature is 650–900°. Most often, copper and phosphorus compounds play its role. Also, additional impurities are added to their composition in order to carry out the fluxing process. For low-temperature soldering, consumables are usually available in the form of soft wire.

This is a special composition that is created to facilitate the soldering process. They also differ depending on the temperature conditions they are intended for. They can be produced in either liquid or paste consistency. Their task is to clean the site of the future connection from various contaminants, prevent the penetration of oxygen for the successful completion of the reaction, increase the fluidity of the solder, and improve the adhesion of materials to each other. Usually the packaging indicates for what purpose a particular product is used.

Pipe cutter. For copper products, roller products are used. Their accuracy is much higher than when processing with a hacksaw. Also in the second case, chips will form, which will subsequently become a big problem for the entire mechanism (this is critical for air conditioning systems and refrigerators).

It is necessary to give the end of the pipe a conical shape and also to remove burrs. This greatly simplifies the process of joining the main pipe and fitting.

Calibrator. This is a special device that allows you to increase the diameter of the pipe to such a size that the second pipe can easily fit inside. It must be remembered that the length of the tip should not exceed the diameter.

Regular brush. Used for applying flux to the soldering area.

Wire brush. It will be needed to clean the junction of the pipe and the fitting.

Fireproof gasket. Will allow you to protect the wall or other objects when welding on site.

Copper pipe and fittings.

Safety precautions

The soldering process involves high temperatures, as well as the release of various substances during the melting of the material.

To prevent accidents and harmful effects on the human body, you must follow a few simple safety rules:

• Good air access. The room must be intensively ventilated. Neglecting this condition can lead to poisoning by gases and fumes.
• Individual protection means. During the installation process, it is very important to have gloves that will not melt or catch fire when exposed to heat, which could lead to serious burns. It is imperative to use glasses that will prevent small particles from getting into your eyes during the cutting process or when splashes fly away due to heating of objects. It is also advisable to use respiratory protection, such as respirators. They will prevent the absorption of fine copper dust.
• Correct handling of the burner. Ignition must be done at a safe distance from flammable substances. If separate large-capacity cylinders are used, they should be positioned in accordance with the requirements specified by the manufacturer. It is important to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Soft soldering process

This method is quite simple and easy to learn for beginners. It is important to follow only the following steps:

• The segment required for a specific area is marked. In this case, it is necessary to take into account which part will go into the connecting fitting. This point is very important, because the recessed part should not be too small, as this will not allow the material to fit well, but it should not be too large, so as not to create stress, which will shorten the service life.
• Trimming is carried out using a hand pipe cutter.
• The edge is carefully processed to remove burrs and give the chamfer a cone shape.
• The part of the pipe that will go into the fitting is cleaned with sandpaper.
• Using a metal brush or sandpaper, clean the inner surface of the fitting.
• After this treatment, it is necessary to insert the pipe into the connector and check whether it reaches the required level
• Using a regular brush, flux is applied to the cleaned area of ​​the pipe, as well as the inner surface of the fitting.
• The pipe is inserted inside until it stops; a special side is designed for this. The pipe must be turned slightly so that the flux is distributed evenly.
• Using a rag, remove excess flux that has come to the surface.
• The next step is to carry out heating. You need to start it from the pipe and smoothly move to the transition point, where the soldering will be done.
• When you reach a certain level, you need to take the solder and touch the joint. If it does not immediately begin to stick, it is necessary to continue heating.
• It is important to avoid overheating. This will cause the flux to burn out and cause poor contact with the solder.
• When the solder begins to melt, it must be pressed against the neck so that it can go inside the joint. The burner flame should be slightly ahead of it so that it does not simply drip to the surface from the intense heat.
• For a horizontal seam, it is necessary to carry out movements from the bottom up, first on one side, then on the other. For vertical - as will be convenient in a particular case.
• After cooling, it is necessary to remove carbon deposits and flux residues with a damp cloth.

Note! Do not under any circumstances speed up the cooling process. It should proceed with a natural duration. If this is not observed, microcracks may appear in the seam, which will break the tightness.

Brazing process

This type of soldering is suitable for pipes with a diameter greater than 22 mm, and also where the operating temperature will be above 175° C. The steps for preparing the pipe and fitting will be the same as described above.

• Using a vice or other device, the unit to be connected must be firmly fixed. He must remain motionless throughout the entire operation.
• Warming up starts from the pipe. This should be done 2–3 cm from the point of contact. You should move around the pipe and towards the place of soldering. You cannot keep the burner in one place for a long time, this can lead to damage to the source material.
• When using copper-phosphorus solder, it is not necessary to use flux. But it can act as an indicator. You can coat the joint area with it and warm it up. When it becomes transparent, it’s time to start acting.
• When the temperature reaches the required level, the solder will spread effortlessly over the prepared area. The flame should not be directed directly at it; it must be directed slightly ahead.
• The rules for using solder for horizontal and vertical joints are the same as described for the previous case.
• After the cooling process is completed, the treatment area is wiped with a damp cloth to remove carbon deposits and flux residues.

Note! If the pipe diameter is 1" or larger, then this can create problems when heating the soldering area. In this case, it is necessary to heat the fitting itself, and then the pipe and neck. Additionally, you can use a second burner, which will maintain a constant heating value.

Some errors

Before you start assembling the entire system, it is better to take several pieces of pipe and connectors to practice. Some defects may occur during the process, their causes are as follows:

• Crack in the seam. The reason is rapid cooling, as described above.
• Deformation of the pipe or fitting. The reason is too long a warm-up. Usually it takes about 20 seconds for the material to reach its condition.
• Poor solder adhesion. The reason is insufficient pre-treatment. It is very important to remove a small layer so that the gap between the pipe and the fitting is a few hundredths of a millimeter. This will allow the connector to go inside.
• Bending at the junction. The reason is that the pipe is not recessed into the fitting enough.

Some actions will require some skill. But after good training, it will definitely be easier in battle. Now, knowing how to solder and sticking to the basic rules, you are sure to achieve success in your work.

Video

The soldering process is clearly shown in the following video:

The need for soldering copper pipes, which is not at all difficult to do if you take into account all the features of this process, arises in situations where it is necessary to install or repair water supply and air conditioning systems where they are used. Soldering copper pipes with your own hands or by hired professionals is an excellent opportunity to create a water supply system in your home or apartment, which many experts call eternal.

The essence of the process

A 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 fairly high cost, but it is fully justified by the unique characteristics that it has. What is important is that copper pipes can be used in both plumbing and 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 quite a long time, it is well studied and does not cause any special problems in practical implementation. The essence of this method is that the joint between the parts being connected is filled with a special compound called solder. In order for the solder for soldering copper pipes to penetrate and fill the joint between the parts, it is melted under high temperature. After the heating of the solder stops and it has completely filled the future seam, it hardens, forming a reliable, tight and durable connection.

Soldering copper is also convenient because, if necessary, the connected pipeline elements can always be easily separated. To do this, simply heat the joint 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 or any special materials. In order to carry it out correctly, you will need the following equipment.

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 cook copper products, additionally prepare:

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

Before starting work, it is also important to decide how to solder copper pipes. There can be two main options: soldering copper with hard solder (used less frequently) and using soft solder. When addressing this issue, it is important to assume that there are requirements for the use of one or another type of solder. Thus, 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 no matter what technology is chosen, it should be remembered that flux is necessary in any case.

Copper pipe soldering technology

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

• First you need to cut a piece of pipe to the required length, for which you use a pipe cutter. It is very important to position 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, use a metal brush, and its end is freed from burrs and metal dust using a brush. Under no circumstances 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 widened. The diameter of the end of one of the pipes should be increased to such a value that the other end easily fits into it, leaving only a small gap.
• The flared end of the pipe should also be cleaned using a wire brush, but not sandpaper or cleaning paste.
• Before starting soldering, flux should be applied to the end of the smaller cross-section pipe. It is very important to distribute the flux evenly when applying it, otherwise its excess will get inside the pipe and form frozen drops there, which will create noise when the liquid moves through it.

The prepared ends of the pipes should be inserted into each other before soldering, after which you can begin soldering by wiping off excess flux with a damp cloth. To ensure a high-quality and reliable connection, it is necessary to warm up the pipes to be connected before using solder. Heating can be considered sufficient when the flux applied to one of the pipes becomes silver in color.

After preheating the joint, solder is brought to it, which, due to the high temperature, begins to melt and fill the joint space. The process is also facilitated by the principle of capillarity, due to which 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 can be seen very well on video, which is filmed by many specialists.

After soldering is completed, the pipes should be allowed to cool and under no circumstances should they be subjected to mechanical stress. Once the seam has cooled, you can wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any remaining flux.

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

Copper piping is used in a wide variety of domestic and industrial applications. This material is easy to install and is also very durable, which makes it especially attractive for the installation of many engineering systems. Pipelines using copper as a base are used in water supply systems, gas and oil pipelines. They consist of several metal elements that require a reliable connection. It is the soldering of copper pipes, carried out in full compliance with the technology, that ensures high-quality, hermetically sealed connection of the components.

Before soldering a copper tube on your own, prepare the necessary tools and materials. Do-it-yourself repairs will cost much less than hiring a specialist. Having a small set of tools at home can significantly save your family budget.

Properties of copper products

The industry produces two types of pipe products made of copper (at least 95% of the base material): annealed type, not annealed. The technology for soldering copper pipes depends on their type and uses the appropriate equipment. After molding, annealed products undergo final heat treatment at +600-700 °C. It restores elastic properties and also improves their characteristics - they can withstand the pressure of frozen water.

Moreover, their strength decreases noticeably with increasing heating temperature. Soldering a copper pipe depends on its physical properties. Non-annealed products are produced in measuring rods 3 and 5 m long, annealed products are produced in coils containing pipes of 25 or 50 m. To correctly solder a copper tube at home, it is recommended to watch a video explaining how to solder an element.

Soldering technology and work stages

When installing household systems that involve soldering copper tubes with hard solder, soft material can also be used. The connection area is heated to +250-300 °C, which allows the solder to spread evenly over the surface. In this case, prolonged exposure of the material to these temperatures is not allowed.

The use of soft soldering involves the occurrence of a capillary effect. The solder spreads evenly over the entire treated area, regardless of its position. It is recommended to maintain a maximum gap between the fitting and the tube of no more than 0.1-0.15 mm. It is these values ​​that will ensure reliable fixation of the connection when using solder.

Soldering technology using methods that use low-temperature exposure is most widely used. It is used in the installation of heating systems and water supply systems, which are operated at temperatures up to +110 °C. The process of soldering copper pipe using the high-temperature method uses hard solders, and is also used in networks intended for high pressure, with increased thermal loads.

Preparatory stage

At the initial stage, the workplace for soldering copper pipes is prepared, as well as the location of the necessary tools and accessories. The presence of clamps or auxiliary devices is required. The connection of the parts to be soldered must have a tight fit. The edges of the soldering of copper pipes must be processed with a file, abrasive or sandpaper to create an even cut. This operation is carried out both with the outer surface and with the inner pipe part.

Selecting the necessary tools and materials

Making copper pipe connections requires the use of certain equipment. This includes a copper pipe soldering iron or torch, appropriate solder and flux, a mechanical pipe cutter, a chamfering device, a variety of connection parts (fittings), and auxiliary equipment.

The tools needed for soldering are not expensive and require only a little practice to use. Before starting the main work, it is advisable to do a little training on scraps to gain the necessary skills. This will provide an opportunity to master the technology with all the nuances of performing repairs.

Solders and fluxes

To reliably connect copper tubes, special solder is used for soldering, as well as flux to degrease the connection area. This composition ensures a strong and tight connection between the areas being connected. When using hard and soft solders in everyday life, tin compounds containing bismuth, copper, silver, and antimony are used. Compounds with silver are considered to be of the highest quality, but they are expensive.

Auxiliary materials

Soldering copper pipes is not possible without the use of additional accessories. The main elements include a pipe cutter or a hacksaw with a metal blade. A carpenter's miter box is used for precise positioning of the product.

To clean the edges, brushes are used, as well as brushes and sanding paper. With its help, both the inner and outer edges of the product are processed. You can adjust the required temperature with a hairdryer, directing a stream of hot air into the work area.

Soldering process and methods

Repair of pipeline systems involves using the system under thermal loads up to +110 °C. In this case, the connection of elements is carried out at values ​​much greater than this value - +250-300 °C. It is by soldering copper pipes with your own hands at given temperatures that the joining parts are hermetically connected. Using a conventional soldering iron is not enough for industrial repairs, so gas burners are used in production.

At the initial stage, the elements to be joined are secured, and their edges to be joined are prepared. After flux treatment, the parts to be joined are soldered. At the end of the process, the bonding site is cooled and protected to remove flux residues.

Depending on the technological features, low-temperature soldering or high-temperature exposure of the part is performed. This difference lies in the use of heat treatment up to +250 °C or above this value.

How to properly solder copper with a gas torch

Repair of pipelines at home is carried out with special manual burners that create an air flow of a sufficiently high temperature (about +1100 ° C). A high-quality tool has a special valve for regulating the flame length, as well as a piezo ignition function. For example, soldering an air conditioner radiator with such an equipped device is easy and quick.

When using semi-professional, as well as household models, you should be careful about the temperature readings and turn off the device in time. These items are not intended for long-term use.

Soldering technique with a soldering iron

Before soldering copper tubes with a soldering iron, you should clean the areas to be joined. Upon completion of machining, flux is applied with a brush and the parts are joined. A slight twist will allow the material to be evenly distributed over the surface. A soldering iron is used to secure the copper pipes. The areas to be joined are processed with an electric soldering iron to distribute the solder evenly. At the end of the procedure, the joined area is cooled and freed from excess flux.

Low temperature soldering

Soldering of copper products using the low-temperature method is carried out using propane torches. To understand how to properly solder copper tubes using them, you should familiarize yourself with the technological process. The temperature heating of the joint reaches about +2500 °C. The contacted area is in constant motion, which makes it possible to heat it evenly. The use of capillary effect significantly speeds up the process and makes it better.

High temperature soldering

This method is used at temperatures of the order of +7000-9000 °C. Soldering of copper tubes is carried out with gas torches in any spatial position. In this case, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the treated area. When there is a temperature difference between the elements being connected, the solder moves to the main heat source, bypassing the connecting gap.

Advantages of the welded connection method

By soldering copper tubes with your own hands in compliance with the technology, the connection can be ensured with high durability and strength. At the same time, the connections are very accessible and easy to use. Before soldering copper tubes at home, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the technology of work. A tube soldered at home can be used reliably for decades. The use of a variety of welding modes provides the opportunity to select acceptable conditions for the welded joint.

Security measures

Soldering copper pipelines requires compliance with safety measures both when using power tools and when working with gas equipment. Take care of basic fire extinguishing equipment and protective equipment in advance. The work area should be well ventilated. Any work must be carried out exclusively in appropriate protective clothing.