OT: Need a Plumbers Advice
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by mdj21
why MAP gas over propane?
Using MAP gas with the [older] higher lead content solder is problematic because it will actually burn the solder away fairly quickly and leaky joints are a high probability.
So, check the solder label and use the appropriate gas.
And as was previously correctly stated, wipe the flux off the joints to prevent the green corrosion.
Last edited by pws69; Oct 5, 2006 at 08:13 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by DR.Jay
It burns hotter so the solder melts faster from what the plumber I once worked for told me.
Also, if your soldering in an area with combustables around the pipe (joists, studs, drywall etc)...tin foil makes a great heat barrier.Eddie
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
I have'nt seen the old lead solder for sale for years. If you can't get it hot enough with propane, then you have got the wrong tip. Different sizes are available just as they are for oxy/acetylene torches.
Map gas is the easiest to use, though.
Map gas is the easiest to use, though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 977
Likes: 1
From: wash. dc
i've been a plumber for over 30 yrs. and i've seen joints with a lotta green on them that weren't even soldered. the corrosion of the flux actually held the joint together. get a new elbow, clean the pipe with sandcloth and the fitting with a fitting brush... flux both and solder together with 95/5. map or propane will do.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,422
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by kona
Heres a cool little trick when soldering copper pipe. If the water continues to drip while soldering it will make for a bad joint so shove a piece of bread(small) into the pipe. Keeps the water from running out just long enough to get a good joint.
Dissolves and flushes out as soon as you turn the water back on.
Kona
Dissolves and flushes out as soon as you turn the water back on.
Kona
