| When it comes to joining pipes there are several | | | | be more evident where sections can be modified |
| options for the DIYer ranging from screw | | | | to simplify or neaten the job. |
| together plastic, compression and soldered joints. | | | | Solder melts at fairly low temperatures (approx |
| These options have their good and bad points and | | | | 180 degrees C) in comparison to brass (c 750) or |
| are all employed by professionals depending on | | | | silver (c 650) rods. Therefore the pipe and joint |
| particular circumstances and requirements of any | | | | should reach the correct temperature quickly. If |
| one job. An option often avoided by the amateur, | | | | work is being carried out in confined areas ensure |
| however, is to use soldered joints. Carried out | | | | flammables are well out of the way and |
| with care and attention a soldered joint will | | | | protective matting is used to keep heat away |
| perform well while offering strength and a neater | | | | from things you'd rather not damage. As the |
| looking - professional finish. | | | | soldering wire is offered up to the joint it should |
| If you recall those metalwork lessons at school, | | | | melt from the heat of the pipe rather than direct |
| the process of soldering and brazing joints | | | | heat from the blowtorch. Through capillary action |
| consisted of a neat fitting joint free from dirt and | | | | the solder should flow in and around the joint. |
| grease etc. The best way to clean brass pipes is | | | | With solder impregnated joints, solder should |
| to scrub the areas to be jointed with a little wire | | | | emerge to the outer edges. The best joints are |
| wool. Don't forget to also clean the joint, as all | | | | done quickly and without fuss. A minute or so |
| surfaces need to be clean. Remember the word | | | | heating should be enough. Heavier duty joints may |
| flux from your school metalwork days? Flux will | | | | take a little longer but if you are applying heat for |
| help clean the joint by removing oxides from the | | | | several minutes or the pipe has been glowing a |
| surfaces of the pipe. Flux should be painted on the | | | | dull orange for a while, the job should be done. If |
| appropriate parts of the pipe and fixing. On the | | | | at this point the solder congeals into droplets then |
| subject of flux, it's worth noting there are many | | | | there's a good chance the joint wasn't properly |
| types. Much depends upon the type of metal we | | | | clean or has become dirty from prolonged heating. |
| are jointing and the heat involved. Make certain | | | | In these cases it's best to start again...possibly |
| you have flux, which is appropriate for soldering | | | | replacing the joint unless it'll properly clean up. |
| brass pipe. Some joints come ready impregnated | | | | Once you've mastered the art of soldering you'll |
| with solder, but it's still good to check cleanliness, | | | | appreciate how much more solid the joint is and |
| flux the joint and have extra solder to hand. | | | | how much more versatile you can get with your |
| Before reaching the point of cleaning and fluxing | | | | arrangement of pipes, especially in restrictive |
| it's always worth assembling as much pipe-work | | | | areas such as under sinks and baths etc. |
| together as possible. In carrying out a dry fit, it'll | | | | |