Soldering

A process called soldering is used in plumbing out to connect pipes and joints together. It works by melting soft metal solder over a joint with a direct heat source like a blowlamp. When completed, these joints are waterproof and permanent. They are very common joints. Brixton Plumbers can use both types of soldering.NOTE: Wipe any residual flux away from the pipe after soldering is completed, or the pipe will turn a green colour, denoting corrosion. Make sure there are no leaks. Hot and Cold water supplies must be Lead Free soldered.Two Types:A). Solder Ring Fittings (contains ring of solder).B). End feed fittings (on a reel).Soldering:1). Make sure the pipe to solder contains no water as this gives a cooling affect that slows down or stops the soldering, therefore the solder does not melt and flow. A professional plumber like a Brixton Plumber is qualified in all types of pipe jointing. Next, apply the direct heat to the joint to melt the solder. Solder should be used the moment that it has melted so as not to burn the flux. If soldered fittings are used, you will see the solder as it runs from the fitting. Allow the joint to cool down after it has been soldered as this will guarantee a good fit.Care and caution needs to be taken so that there are no combustible materials in the vicinity of the heat source because of the fire risk.Footnote:The mating surfaces of the items to be soldered should be cleaned inside and outside with wire wool or nylon cleaning pad. Now, put a suitable flux onto the clean surfaces. The (flux) is a specific type of paste, available in plumbers merchants and is used to keep the areas clean when the soldering, it also allows the hot molten solder to stick to the copper and flow a lot easier.