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Re: Plumbing question #1

To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Plumbing question #1
From: Martin Scarr <martins@efn.org>
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001 07:43:58 -0800 (PST)
On Wed, 5 Dec 2001 LBC286@aol.com wrote:

> I picked up new ball valve shut offs for under the sink.  Cast brass fittings 
> for 1/2" pipe.  We can't get the solder to flow into the joints.  Can anyone 
> 'splain what we may be doing wrong?  I know how to do electronic soldering, 
> and it looks to me like it isn't getting hot enough, although the solder 
> melts easily on the metal.  Cleaned all the fittings and used plenty of flux. 

Sounds like you're not getting the valves hot enough to flow the solder.  
Are you using MAPP gas or just a propane torch?  Valves need a lot more
heat than just piping to flow the solder.  

> Is solder the correct stuff for brass valves to copper pipe?  

Yes, it is.  Local code here requires lead free solder, so we use 95/5
(95% tin, 5% antimony).  It requires more heat than the old 50/50 (lead
tin mix).

You don't have to solder the valves in, there's another way.  Install your
piping so it sticks out of the wall about 6 inches, and use right angle
shut off valves with a compression fitting that goes on the copper
pipe.  They're called angle valves, or angle stops.  Then run a flexible
tube to the faucet.

Regards
Martin Scarr

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