Asked on Jul 27, 2018
Best way to solder a copper water pipe?
by
Lds30331212
+3
Just wondering how to properly solder a copper water pipe in my old 1970 Vintage Cardinal camper? I already tried various sizes of shark bites, however, in the old days they use non-standard pipe sizes and the internal diameter is thicker than most copper pipes used today, so consequently the shark bites will not work. Any suggestions?
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I take it you don't have the equipment to actually solder the pipe. There are several liquid solder products available at your hardware store. If this line is supplying your drinking water, just make sure there isn't any toxic warnings.
There are a number of videos online showing how to "sweat" copper plumbing. I've not had an opportunity to try it, nor do I know which methods are correct.
Online search "sweating copper plumbing"
Good luck with your project!
To solder the pipe is a straight forward job. First of all, make sure you use solder that has no lead; silver solder is a popular choice. Then use a paste flux and brush it onto the pipe, heat it with a propane torch, and touch the solder to the joint whilst holding the torch to the pipe. The solder will be sucked into the joint.
Lowes has a smal!, affordable kit to fix copper pipes. We used it with great success.
I'm sorry, our Lowe's used to carry it. Amazon has it.
https://www.amazon.com/BernzOmatic-SSWS300PK-All-Plumbing-Solder/dp/B003BHYPVE