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- Buying Guide: Solders and Flux
For decades, copper pipe has been one of the most common materials used to distribute water throughout the home. The most common technique used to join sections of copper pipe is called soldering. In the soldering process, heat is applied to the copper joint where the pipe and fitting meet and the gap between the joint is filled with molten metal. This guide will help you identify the flux and solder appropriate for your project, so you can feel confident you’re getting the job done correctly.
Flux
Flux may be made from organic or
inorganic materials and is available in liquid and paste forms.
Liquid flux features a strong cleaning agent which cleans oxidized copper. It is ideal for fast, effective soldering.
Paste flux cleans and fluxes simultaneously, is lead free and can be used on all metals except aluminum and stainless steel. Water-soluble paste flux is ideal for working with supply lines for drinking water.
Refer to the table below to identify the type of flux and solder you need.
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Solder
Solder is a metal alloy comprised
of different elements. Lead-free plumbing solders are required for use on
pipes carrying drinking water, also known as potable water lines. The US Safe
Water Drinking Act prohibits the use of leaded solders on lines carrying
drinking water. Leaded solders are available for applications that will not
come into contact with potable water, such as sheet metal repair, copper drain
lines, etc.
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Solder may also be used for a process similar to soldering called brazing,
which requires its own special material and higher temperatures.
Brazing
Brazing is another method for
joining metal pipe pieces together. Hard solder, which is used for brazing,
melts at higher temperatures and is available in various degrees of
hardness. In general, soldering takes place at temperatures below 840° while
brazing occurs at higher temperatures.
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Brazing is used when high joint strength is required.
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Brazing requires a different kind of flux and solder. The flux is formulated to withstand the higher temperatures associated with brazing. The filler is a different combination of metals that melt at a higher temperature and are stronger when cooled.
As with any process that takes place at extremely high temperatures, there is
equipment you can use and measures you can take to get the job done
effectively and safely.
Safety
Safety should always be one of
your foremost concerns when soldering or brazing. Here are a few tips for
getting the job done safely:
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Always use fire retardant protection like a heat cloth or flame protection blanket when working around combustible elements like wood, drywall and insulation
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Keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times
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Wear safety glasses, helmet and protective gloves
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Wash off excess flux after soldering to prevent corrosion
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Do not use flux on electrical parts
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Use adequate ventilation when fluxing and soldering, particularly in close quarters
Tools to Make Your Job Easier
Tube
Cutters
Tube cutters help ensure smooth, even cuts when working
with plastic tubing, minimizing the amount of time you’ll have to spend
sanding and help ensure a better solder.
Flame
Protector/Heat Shield
If you’re heating a joint near combustible
material, use a flame protector to shield the heat-sensitive material from
damage.
Deburring Tool
A deburring tool makes
it much easier to remove burrs and rough edges from pipes once they’ve been
cut.
Emery Cloth
Use strips of emery cloth to
clean and prepare copper pipe for the application of flux and solder.
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