How to solder copper pipes. How to solder copper pipes

Copper pipes are often used in heating systems: for supplying coolant to convectors, radiators, heated floors, piping heating equipment and heat exchangers, and connecting to solar collectors. They are suitable for assembling completely maintenance-free and embedded systems with hidden wiring, as well as with open surfaces. For heating, they buy phosphorus-treated pipes marked EN 1057; this type has high anti-corrosion properties. Standard sizes and technical operating conditions are regulated by GOST 617-90.

Connecting a heating battery using copper pipes

Features of copper pipes for heating (hot water supply): there are almost no disadvantages

The advantage of this method is simplicity, but it is practically not used when installing heating systems. In this case, connections are made by soldering, the products are heated to at least 250 °C, and under the influence of an open flame. For this reason, it is important to follow standard fire safety precautions. Copper pipes for heating are not very cheap, but very high quality.

Soldering of all diameters in 10 stages

Cutting the pipe into separate fragments according to the heating wiring diagram thought out in advance.
Chamfering the inner surface (desirable, but not mandatory step).
Cleaning the edges, the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the connecting fitting. At this stage, a stiff brush, file or special synthetic sponge is used.
Applying flux to joints.
When putting on the flare fitting, there is a small gap between it and the pipe.
Uniform heating of the joint with a gas burner until the flux completely melts.
Processing the weld with solder.
Cooling with water or outdoors.
Soldering and assembly of other elements.
Checking the tightness of the system

A nuance: since copper loses its hardness at high temperatures, the optimal technology in terms of reliability would be low-temperature soldering technology, according to which solder with low melting precision is used to connect the joints. For the same reason, the connected areas remain motionless until cooling.

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Carrying out the second stage is recommended to reduce the overall hydraulic resistance inside the pipeline. The quality of soldering directly depends on the cleanliness of the joint; for cleaning, it is convenient to use a synthetic washcloth with hard fibers; the edges and surfaces of the tubes must be wiped with a rag to remove dust. When soldering pipes with a protective sheath, remove it along the edges to the depth of insertion into the fitting. You can reduce the number of fittings and reduce water resistance using a special tool - a pipe bender; especially rigid and thick-walled pipes are heated before bending.

Tip: When laying pipes inside monolithic structures, you should buy products with a protective coating or lay them in corrugation. This will protect them from mechanical damage and heat loss.

Copper heating pipes are very popular in industrial facilities and the construction of municipal institutions.

Each type of building material requires an individual approach to processing. Often the services of professionals are required, which are not cheap. But if you have certain skills and master the basics, then you can do a lot on your own. For example, soldering copper pipes with your own hands is not as difficult a task as it might seem at first. This article will talk about the necessary tools and nuances of this type of work.

Why copper

Soldering is one of the most reliable methods of connecting pipes. This option will be acceptable if you are going to hide the wiring in the wall without worrying about the fact that something might leak someday and you will have to make expensive repairs. Here are some benefits of using copper:

Versatility. There are practically no restrictions in use. This could be the plumbing system in your home. With their help you can organize a high-quality heating system. Among other things, such material is used in refrigeration equipment, air conditioners and medical devices.
Chlorine resistance. Periodic disinfection of water leads to the destruction of ordinary metal, which cannot be said about copper pipes.
Antiseptic properties. Due to its composition, copper prevents the development of bacteria, the activity of which has a negative impact on human health.
Long service life. The service life without any intervention can reach 100 years with a guarantee that no emergency situations will arise.
High plasticity. During installation, the material can be given any desired shape. To do this, it is best to use special pipe benders that prevent bending.
Availability of material and fittings for connection.
Resistant to temperature changes. The spread can range from –100°C to + 250°C. At the same time, the metal does not lose its properties and strength.
Resistant to build-up and blockages. The inner walls are very smooth, so there is simply nothing for solid particles to catch on.
Oxidation resistance. When interacting with oxygen, a protective film is formed on the surface of copper, which prevents further chemical reactions from occurring.

Usually, everything cannot be perfect, so the choice should be approached taking into account two sides of the coin. There are also disadvantages:

Relatively high cost. It is true that in terms of monetary costs such material cannot be called cheap, but the result obtained will be many times superior and more than compensates for all costs.
Copper is a good conductor. This means that the entire circuit must be grounded. The slightest leak in the electrical network will lead to electric shock to consumers.
Impossibility of use in steam heating. This only applies to those types where the low temperature soldering method is used.
Some difficulty in installation. In order to do everything efficiently, you will need to get used to it and spend a lot of time.
The need to use a protective sleeve. This is more of a feature than a drawback. Such a solution will be required in cases where there is a need to make hidden wiring. The fact is that some building mixtures may contain substances that interact well with copper, leading to thinning of the pipe walls.
When connecting to other metals, such as steel, the use of brass adapters will be required. This is necessary to prevent the formation of a galvanic couple, which would lead to destruction of the joint.

Note! Recently, chrome-plated copper pipes have become increasingly popular. It is used in the furniture industry. It can be used to make various intricate stands and holders.

Types of copper pipes

Depending on the specific purpose, copper pipes can be endowed with unique properties. According to the production method there are:

Annealed. This option was developed for projects requiring high ductility. For example, they are used when laying freon lines. Most often, such products are supplied in coils. In some ways it is easier to work with them.
Unannealed. They have greater strength and rigidity. This is precisely what is necessary in order to withstand the pressure of the system and not be subject to deformation.

There are also different shapes of products. Most often, these are round, but there are also profile ones - square and rectangular. The second subtype has a specific application for some refrigeration and split systems. The wall thickness can range from 0.8 to 3 mm.

Among other things, finned tubes were developed. Their purpose is to quickly dissipate temperature, whether for cooling or heating. Oversized structures. Can be used instead of steel and cast iron radiators. Production of the structure can occur in several ways:

Rolling method. A copper pipe of the required diameter is taken as the basis, and an aluminum strip is pressed on top. Using special machines, ribs are extruded onto the material.
Pouring method. Directly on the pipe during rolling, a small corrugation is formed. The next step is to press in the profiled aluminum strip that forms the ribs.
Induction method. The two components are heated by exposure to high frequency current. Next, they are connected, which leads to their fusion.

Note! When purchasing a soft copper pipe, be sure to check that the ends are closed with special plugs. If this is not the case, then debris can easily get inside. For air conditioning systems, this can be a fatal fact.

Temperature conditions

As mentioned above, there are two main types of pipes and each of them has its own soldering method:

At high temperature. This method is suitable for organizing various heating systems, including steam ones. The solder in this case acquires the required consistency when it reaches 900°C. The joints are quite rigid and resistant to various influences.
At low temperature. In this case, the process takes place at a temperature of 400° or slightly less. Most often used when installing household systems.

In each case, the appropriate components and compliance with certain requirements will be required.

Necessary tool

In order to successfully complete the copper pipe soldering operation, you will need tools and materials.

There are several varieties of them. Everything will depend on what specific soldering method it is needed for. Some products may have a small removable cylinder, others are equipped with larger containers. For solid or high-temperature compounds, gas-flame variations are used (acetylene-oxygen, oxygen-propane, air-acetylene). For soft - acetylene-air, air-propane. In some situations it is completely impossible to use the devices listed above, so special electrical devices have also been developed. Some types of solders can be processed with a regular hair dryer.

For different types of soldering, different solders are selected. For those systems where high pressure or other loads are planned, it is necessary to use a refractory material. It is usually produced in the form of rods. Its processing temperature is 650–900°. Most often, copper and phosphorus compounds play its role. Also, additional impurities are added to their composition in order to carry out the fluxing process. For low-temperature soldering, consumables are usually available in the form of soft wire.

This is a special composition that is created to facilitate the soldering process. They also differ depending on the temperature conditions they are intended for. They can be produced in either liquid or paste consistency. Their task is to clean the site of the future connection from various contaminants, prevent the penetration of oxygen for the successful completion of the reaction, increase the fluidity of the solder, and improve the adhesion of materials to each other. Usually the packaging indicates for what purpose a particular product is used.

Pipe cutter. For copper products, roller products are used. Their accuracy is much higher than when processing with a hacksaw. Also in the second case, chips will form, which will subsequently become a big problem for the entire mechanism (this is critical for air conditioning systems and refrigerators).

It is necessary to give the end of the pipe a conical shape and also to remove burrs. This greatly simplifies the process of joining the main pipe and fitting.

Calibrator. This is a special device that allows you to increase the diameter of the pipe to such a size that the second pipe can easily fit inside. It must be remembered that the length of the tip should not exceed the diameter.

Regular brush. Used for applying flux to the soldering area.

Wire brush. It will be needed to clean the junction of the pipe and the fitting.

Fireproof gasket. Will allow you to protect the wall or other objects when welding on site.

Copper pipe and fittings.

Safety precautions

The soldering process involves high temperatures, as well as the release of various substances during the melting of the material.

To prevent accidents and harmful effects on the human body, you must follow a few simple safety rules:

Good air access. The room must be intensively ventilated. Neglecting this condition can lead to poisoning by gases and fumes.
Individual protection means. During the installation process, it is very important to have gloves that will not melt or catch fire when exposed to heat, which could lead to serious burns. It is imperative to use glasses that will prevent small particles from getting into your eyes during the cutting process or when splashes fly away due to heating of objects. It is also advisable to use respiratory protection, such as respirators. They will prevent the absorption of fine copper dust.
Correct handling of the burner. Ignition must be done at a safe distance from flammable substances. If separate large-capacity cylinders are used, they should be positioned in accordance with the requirements specified by the manufacturer. It is important to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Soft soldering process

This method is quite simple and easy to learn for beginners. It is important to follow only the following steps:

The segment required for a specific area is marked. In this case, it is necessary to take into account which part will go into the connecting fitting. This point is very important, because the recessed part should not be too small, as this will not allow the material to fit well, but it should not be too large, so as not to create stress, which will shorten the service life.
Trimming is carried out using a hand pipe cutter.
The edge is carefully processed to remove burrs and give the chamfer a cone shape.
The part of the pipe that will go into the fitting is cleaned with sandpaper.
Using a metal brush or sandpaper, clean the inner surface of the fitting.
After this treatment, it is necessary to insert the pipe into the connector and check whether it reaches the required level
Using a regular brush, flux is applied to the cleaned area of the pipe, as well as the inner surface of the fitting.
The pipe is inserted inside until it stops; a special side is designed for this. The pipe must be turned slightly so that the flux is distributed evenly.
Using a rag, remove excess flux that has come to the surface.
The next step is to carry out heating. You need to start it from the pipe and smoothly move to the transition point, where the soldering will be done.
When you reach a certain level, you need to take the solder and touch the joint. If it does not immediately begin to stick, it is necessary to continue heating.
It is important to avoid overheating. This will cause the flux to burn out and cause poor contact with the solder.
When the solder begins to melt, it must be pressed against the neck so that it can go inside the joint. The burner flame should be slightly ahead of it so that it does not simply drip to the surface from the intense heat.
For a horizontal seam, it is necessary to carry out movements from the bottom up, first on one side, then on the other. For vertical - as will be convenient in a particular case.
After cooling, it is necessary to remove carbon deposits and flux residues with a damp cloth.

Note! Do not under any circumstances speed up the cooling process. It should proceed with a natural duration. If this is not observed, microcracks may appear in the seam, which will break the tightness.

Brazing Process

This type of soldering is suitable for pipes with a diameter greater than 22 mm, and also where the operating temperature will be above 175° C. The steps for preparing the pipe and fitting will be the same as described above.

Using a vice or other device, the unit to be connected must be firmly fixed. He must remain motionless throughout the entire operation.
Warming up starts from the pipe. This should be done 2–3 cm from the point of contact. You should move around the pipe and towards the place of soldering. You cannot keep the burner in one place for a long time, this can lead to damage to the source material.
When using copper-phosphorus solder, it is not necessary to use flux. But it can act as an indicator. You can coat the joint area with it and warm it up. When it becomes transparent, it’s time to start acting.
When the temperature reaches the required level, the solder will spread effortlessly over the prepared area. The flame should not be directed directly at it; it must be directed slightly ahead.
The rules for using solder for horizontal and vertical joints are the same as described for the previous case.
After the cooling process is completed, the treatment area is wiped with a damp cloth to remove carbon deposits and flux residues.

Note! If the pipe diameter is 1" or larger, then this can create problems when heating the soldering area. In this case, it is necessary to heat the fitting itself, and then the pipe and neck. Additionally, you can use a second burner, which will maintain a constant heating value.

Some errors

Before you start assembling the entire system, it is better to take several pieces of pipe and connectors to practice. Some defects may occur during the process, their causes are as follows:

Crack in the seam. The reason is rapid cooling, as described above.
Deformation of the pipe or fitting. The reason is too long a warm-up. Usually it takes about 20 seconds for the material to reach its condition.
Poor solder adhesion. The reason is insufficient pre-treatment. It is very important to remove a small layer so that the gap between the pipe and the fitting is a few hundredths of a millimeter. This will allow the connector to go inside.
Bending at the junction. The reason is that the pipe is not recessed into the fitting enough.

Some actions will require some skill. But after good training, it will definitely be easier in battle. Now, knowing how to solder and sticking to the basic rules, you are sure to achieve success in your work.

Video

The soldering process is clearly shown in the following video:

Copper piping is used in a wide variety of domestic and industrial applications. This material is easy to install and is also very durable, which makes it especially attractive for the installation of many engineering systems. Pipelines using copper as a base are used in water supply systems, gas and oil pipelines. They consist of several metal elements that require a reliable connection. It is the soldering of copper pipes, carried out in full compliance with the technology, that ensures high-quality, hermetically sealed connection of the components.

Before soldering a copper tube on your own, prepare the necessary tools and materials. Do-it-yourself repairs will cost much less than hiring a specialist. Having a small set of tools at home can significantly save your family budget.

Properties of copper products

The industry produces two types of pipe products made of copper (at least 95% of the base material): annealed type, not annealed. The technology for soldering copper pipes depends specifically on their type and uses the appropriate equipment. After molding, annealed products undergo final heat treatment at +600-700 °C. It restores elastic properties and also improves their characteristics - they can withstand the pressure of frozen water.

Moreover, their strength decreases noticeably with increasing heating temperature. Soldering a copper pipe depends on its physical properties. Non-annealed products are produced in measuring rods 3 and 5 m long, annealed products are produced in coils containing pipes of 25 or 50 m. To correctly solder a copper tube at home, it is recommended to watch a video explaining how to solder an element.

Soldering technology and work stages

When installing household systems that involve soldering copper tubes with hard solder, soft material can also be used. The joint area is heated to +250-300 °C, which allows the solder to spread evenly over the surface. In this case, prolonged exposure of the material to these temperatures is not allowed.

The use of soft soldering involves the occurrence of a capillary effect. Solder spreads evenly over the entire treated area, regardless of its position. It is recommended to maintain a maximum gap between the fitting and the tube of no more than 0.1-0.15 mm. It is these values that will ensure reliable fixation of the connection when using solder.

Soldering technology using methods that use low-temperature exposure is most widely used. It is used in the installation of heating systems and water supply systems, which are operated at temperatures up to +110 °C. The process of soldering copper pipe using the high-temperature method uses hard solders, and is also used in networks intended for high pressure, with increased thermal loads.

Preparatory stage

At the initial stage, the workplace for soldering copper pipes is prepared, as well as the location of the necessary tools and accessories. The presence of clamps or auxiliary devices is required. The connection of the soldered parts must have a tight fit. The edges of the soldering of copper pipes must be processed with a file, abrasive or sanding paper to create an even cut. This operation is carried out both with the outer surface and with the inner pipe part.

Selecting the necessary tools and materials

Making copper pipe connections requires the use of certain equipment. This includes a copper pipe soldering iron or torch, appropriate solder and flux, a mechanical pipe cutter, a chamfering device, a variety of connection parts (fittings), and auxiliary equipment.

The tools needed for soldering are not expensive and require only a little practice to use. Before starting the main work, it is advisable to do a little training on scraps to gain the necessary skills. This will provide an opportunity to master the technology with all the nuances of performing repairs.

Solders and fluxes

To reliably connect copper tubes, special solder is used for soldering, as well as flux to degrease the connection area. This composition ensures a strong and tight connection between the areas being connected. When using hard and soft solders in everyday life, tin compounds containing bismuth, copper, silver, and antimony are used. Compounds with silver are considered to be of the highest quality, but they are expensive.

Auxiliary materials

Soldering copper pipes is not possible without the use of additional accessories. The main elements include a pipe cutter or a hacksaw with a metal blade. For precise positioning of the product, a carpenter's miter box is used.

To clean the edges, brushes are used, as well as brushes and sanding paper. With its help, both the inner and outer edges of the product are processed. You can adjust the required temperature with a hairdryer, directing a stream of hot air into the work area.

Soldering process and methods

Repair of pipeline systems involves using the system under thermal loads up to +110 °C. In this case, the connection of elements is carried out at values much greater than this value - +250-300 °C. It is by soldering copper pipes with your own hands at given temperatures that the joining parts are hermetically connected. Using a conventional soldering iron is not enough for industrial repairs, so gas burners are used in production.

At the initial stage, the elements to be joined are secured, and their edges to be joined are prepared. After flux treatment, the parts to be joined are soldered. At the end of the process, the bonding site is cooled and protected to remove flux residues.

Depending on the technological features, low-temperature soldering or high-temperature exposure of the part is performed. This difference lies in the use of heat treatment up to +250 °C or above this value.

How to properly solder copper with a gas torch

Repair of pipelines at home is carried out with special manual burners that create an air flow of a sufficiently high temperature (about +1100 ° C). A high-quality tool has a special valve for regulating the flame length, as well as a piezo ignition function. For example, soldering an air conditioner radiator with such an equipped device is easy and quick.

When using semi-professional, as well as household models, you should be careful about the temperature readings and turn off the device in time. These items are not intended for long-term use.

Soldering technique with a soldering iron

Before soldering copper tubes with a soldering iron, you should clean the areas to be joined. Upon completion of machining, flux is applied with a brush and the parts are joined. A slight twist will allow the material to be evenly distributed over the surface. A soldering iron is used to secure the copper pipes. The areas to be joined are processed with an electric soldering iron to distribute the solder evenly. At the end of the procedure, the joined area is cooled and freed from excess flux.

Low temperature soldering

Soldering of copper products using the low-temperature method is carried out using propane torches. To understand how to properly solder copper tubes using them, you should familiarize yourself with the technological process. The temperature heating of the joint reaches about +2500 °C. The contacted area is in constant motion, which makes it possible to heat it evenly. The use of capillary effect significantly speeds up the process and makes it better.

High temperature soldering

This method is used at temperatures of the order of +7000-9000 °C. Soldering of copper tubes is carried out with gas torches in any spatial position. In this case, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the treated area. When there is a temperature difference between the elements being connected, the solder moves to the main heat source, bypassing the connecting gap.

Advantages of the welded connection method

By soldering copper tubes with your own hands in compliance with the technology, the connection can be ensured with high durability and strength. At the same time, the connections are very accessible and easy to use. Before soldering copper tubes at home, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the technology of work. A tube soldered at home can be used reliably for decades. The use of a variety of welding modes provides the opportunity to select acceptable conditions for the welded joint.

Security measures

Soldering copper pipelines requires compliance with safety measures both when using power tools and when working with gas equipment. Take care of basic fire extinguishing equipment and protective equipment in advance. The work area should be well ventilated. Any work must be carried out exclusively in appropriate protective clothing.

Copper pipes are widely used in everyday life and industry. Pipelines are constructed from them to move cold and hot water, heat, gas, and oil. These products are not subject to corrosion, are strong, durable, do not emit harmful substances, and therefore are used for supplying drinking water. Excellent resistance to high temperatures and pressure. Copper tubes are found in air conditioners, refrigerators, and other household appliances. However, nothing lasts forever, which is why copper pipes can leak for various reasons. Repairing a copper pipe is fundamentally different from restoring steel or plastic products.

Unlike the use of welding when joining or repairing steel pipes, soldering with special materials, tools and methods is used for copper pipelines. Creating networks from copper soldered structures allows you to save on various connecting elements. And if you do the work yourself, you won’t have to pay third-party specialists for it. However, you shouldn’t think that everything is so simple. Soldering copper pipes with your own hands is a responsible process and requires special care and some skills in using tools and working methods.

How and with what to solder copper

There are only two ways to connect copper pipes:

Soldering in high temperature mode, or “hard”, when during the production of work a value from 600 to 900 degrees is reached. In this case, the solder is refractory, and the seam is obtained with high strength characteristics. This method is used to create pipelines designed to work with heavy loads.
Soldering at low temperatures, up to 450 degrees, is usually used for domestic needs. It is called “soft” because the process uses low-melting solder for soldering copper pipes.

It is impossible to obtain a strong and reliable soldering without using the following tools, consumables and accessories:

a pipe cutter is necessary to ensure that the cuts of the workpieces are smooth and strictly perpendicular to the main axis;
A chamfer remover is needed to clean cut edges from burrs; devices are round and pencil-shaped; round ones are more convenient, but are applicable for pipes with a diameter of no more than 36 mm;
soldering equipment - the main tool, which uses an electric soldering iron or a compact gas burner running on propane;
expander - a device used to prepare the edges of pipes for joining; the processing depth is determined by the diameter of the workpiece;
the solder is designed differently for each mode; for high-temperature soldering, copper wire containing phosphorus is used, low-temperature soldering of copper pipes is performed with tin wire or using lead;
flux can be used in solid or liquid form, alkaline or acidic, depending on the work conditions; it helps to remove the oxide layer from the joined parts, which contributes to a better connection of metal and solder; Sometimes a special paste for soldering copper pipes is replaced with rosin.

In order to more conveniently regulate the temperature in the welding area, an industrial hair dryer is used. Using various nozzles, you can most accurately direct hot air to the right place. This tool is necessary to create the best conditions for effective soldering with low-melting solder by preheating the joint. Also, you will definitely need fine sandpaper, a metal brush, rags, brushes, and tassels.

Features of copper soldering

Work on joining two sections of pipe blanks to each other or to a fitting begins with processing the ends. The fitting must be selected for the required diameter and specified configuration. In the case of connecting two pipes, the edge of one of them is expanded with a special tool. Then you need to clean the surfaces to be joined to a copper shine using fine sandpaper. It turns out that at one end this is done from the inside, at the other - from the outside. Dust is removed with a soft brush or cloth.

If the solder does not have the ability to self-flux, then a thin layer of flux is applied to the joint. For this purpose, use a regular brush. Using a torch for soldering copper pipes, the soldered area is heated. The main condition is that heating should be uniform. Usually one minute is enough. Solder is applied to the hot area and distributed evenly, moving it simultaneously with the burner. The resulting temperature melts the solder and holds the pipes together.

When working with a soldering iron, the solder is heated by the tip of the tool. Any option for carrying out soldering work requires some experience. Because to obtain the desired result, it is necessary, firstly, to prevent overheating of the materials. Secondly, you need to try to achieve the optimal temperature for better melting of the solder. Both are bad. Because insufficient heating will cause the solder to stick to the copper rather than form a strong joint. If you allow overheating, the flux, which helps distribute the solder evenly, will burn and the connection will also not be strong.

When installing copper pipes from short sections, the previous joint should be cooled before connecting the next one. To avoid waiting too long for natural cooling, you can help by applying a rag soaked in cold water.

And further. If an existing pipeline is being repaired, it must be completely freed of liquid and thoroughly dried. Since it is impossible to solder copper pipes in a wet state.

Why are copper pipes so popular?

Copper itself is a soft metal that can be easily forged. It ranks second in electrical conductivity after silver, therefore it is actively used in the electrical industry. This metal in its pure form is not suitable for plumbing products due to its high ductility. For the manufacture of pipeline products and connecting fittings, copper alloys are used, the composition of which is regulated by state standards. Tubular products are produced by the cold method (called cold-drawn or cold-rolled) or by hot pressing. Regarding pricing policy, products made from copper-containing alloys are more expensive than their counterparts made from steel, plastic or metal-plastic. But the costs are more than covered by useful properties and excellent performance parameters. This:

long service life under the most difficult conditions of use - more than 50 years; known cases of operation up to 100 years;
absolute resistance to corrosion and chlorinated water;
ability to work in a wide temperature range without changing its technical characteristics;
relatively light weight, making it easy to transport, install and process;
salt and other deposits do not form on the internal surfaces, since the products inside have increased smoothness;
presence of antibacterial properties, therefore copper pipes are recommended for transporting drinking water.

The high heat transfer of pipes allows them to be actively used for the manufacture of heat exchangers and cooling systems. They are indispensable in the designs of air conditioners and refrigeration units. However, it is not recommended to combine copper with other metals to avoid a possible reaction. Products can be damaged by pronounced aggressive liquids and solid impurities.

Disadvantages of copper pipes

The main disadvantage of copper is its high price. A pipeline made of this material will cost much more than steel or plastic. But this shortcoming pays off due to a long operating time. Any alloy with a copper component is easily susceptible to external deformation. Mechanical influences are completely excluded here. The assembly process cannot be called too labor-intensive, but there are difficulties. The sequence and composition of the soldering procedure must be strictly observed, and you must also have certain skills and experience for this.

Copper alloys can be used to transport hot water only with great caution. Such a pipeline should be laid in hard-to-reach places. Due to the high degree of thermal conductivity of the material, products made from it heat up quickly. If handled carelessly, you may get burned. Significant heat losses will also occur. But this “trouble” is dealt with quite simply - by installing heat-insulating coatings made of special polymers.

Scope of application

The scope of use of pipe products made from copper-containing alloys is very wide. Namely:

housing and communal services and private owners;
construction;
energy;
mechanical engineering industry;
instrument making;
production of household appliances.

They are used to make coolant circulation systems in refrigeration equipment and air conditioners of various types and capacities. As well as hydraulic oil devices. Copper tubes are used for piping technological equipment, for arranging water supply and heating networks. With their participation, pipelines for pumping fuel are built. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Home craftsmen try to carry out construction and repair work themselves, which allows them not only to save the family budget, but also to be absolutely confident in a high-quality result. Therefore, they have to master new techniques and technologies, such as soldering copper pipes.

We will tell you how to assemble and connect communications from copper pipes. Here you will find out what consumables and tools the performer will need. Skills that are useful even in everyday life will make it possible to independently assemble pipelines with excellent performance characteristics.

Copper pipelines are rarely used in practice. The reason for this is the rather high cost of materials. However, copper pipelines are rightfully considered the best.

This metal surpasses all other materials in heat resistance, flexibility and durability. after assembly, it can be poured into concrete, hidden in walls, etc. Nothing will happen to them during operation.

Copper pipelines are considered the best, since their service life is comparable to the service life of the building in which they are installed

This is worth considering when choosing material for heating or plumbing. In terms of long-term operation, the higher costs are well worth it. In addition to the excellent performance characteristics that copper has, it is quite easy to install. “Scary tales” about difficulties in soldering are most often exaggerated.

Copper is quite easy to solder. Its surface does not require the use of aggressive cleaning agents. Many low-melting metals have high adhesion to it, which simplifies the choice of solder.

Expensive copper fluxes are not needed, since violent reactions with oxygen do not occur when the metal is melted. During the soldering process, the pipe does not deform; its shape and dimensions remain unchanged. The resulting seam can be unsoldered if necessary.

Methods for soldering copper parts

Soldering is considered the best method for joining copper parts. During operation, molten solder fills the small gap between the elements, forming a reliable connection.

There are two most common methods for obtaining such compounds. This is high-temperature and low-temperature capillary soldering. Let's figure out how they differ from each other.

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Features of high temperature connections

In this case, the process of joining copper elements takes place at temperatures exceeding +450 degrees. Compositions based on fairly refractory metals: silver or copper are selected as solder.

They provide a durable seam that is resistant to mechanical damage and high temperatures. Such a connection is called solid.

In the process of high-temperature capillary soldering, the temperature exceeds 450C; refractory solder BAg or BCuP is used to form the connection

The peculiarity of the so-called hard soldering is the annealing of the metal, which leads to its softening. Therefore, in order for the loss of the strength characteristics of copper to be minimal, the finished weld should be cooled only naturally, without using artificial blowing or immersing the part in cold water.

The solid connection is used for pipes with a diameter of 12 to 159 mm. High temperature brazing is used to connect gas pipes.

In plumbing, it is used in the process of assembling water pipes for monolithic joining of parts whose diameter exceeds 28 mm. In addition, this connection is used in cases where the temperature of the liquid circulating in the pipes can exceed +120 degrees.

High-temperature soldering is also used for assembling heating systems. Its advantage is the possibility of arranging a branch from a previously installed system without first dismantling it.

Low temperature soldering in parts

Soft or low-temperature soldering is the connection of copper parts, during which temperatures below +450C are used. In this case, soft, low-melting metals, such as tin or lead, are selected as solder.

The width of the seam formed by such soldering can vary from 7 to 50 mm. The resulting compound is called soft. It is less durable than hard, but has a number of significant advantages.

During the low-temperature soldering process, a so-called soft joint is formed. It is less durable than solid, so it cannot be used when connecting gas pipes

The main difference is that during the soldering process the metal is not annealed. Accordingly, its strength remains the same.

In addition, the temperature during low-temperature soldering is not as high as during high-temperature soldering. Therefore, it is considered safer. So-called soft connections are used for assembling pipes of small diameter: from 6 to 108 mm.

In plumbing, low-temperature connections are used for the installation of water mains and heating networks, but on condition that the temperature of the liquid circulating in them is less than +130 degrees. For gas pipelines, the use of connections of this type is strictly prohibited.

What will be needed in the process?

To make high-quality connections, you will need special materials and tools. First of all, to treat the pre-cleaned surface of the parts you will need flux. It removes oxides from the base, improves the flow of molten solder and reduces surface tension.

In addition to this, you will also need. For high-temperature welding, a material is selected that does not contain lead. The packaging must bear the words “lead free” or “lead free”.

For low-temperature soldering, low-melting solder is selected, which may contain tin, copper, bismuth, and silver. Low temperature solder is available in the form of 3mm wire.

The flux is selected based on the type of soldering. On sale you can find a wide range of such compositions in convenient packaging with a special brush.

To work you will need tools. First of all, . With its help, you can cut parts to the desired size. It is important to choose a high quality tool so that the soft material, which is copper, does not wrinkle.

You will also need a chamfer remover to remove the burrs. Otherwise, it will be impossible to insert one part into another. A brush or brush is also used to clean the inner surface of the pipes.

Another necessary tool is pipe expander. With its help, it will be possible to increase the diameter of one of the parts being connected, which will need to be done since the pipes have the same cross-section

Various tools are used to heat copper elements. Most often, for low-temperature soldering, one with a narrowly directed flame is chosen.

Gas equipment in this case operates from a cylinder with a mixture of propane and butane or with pure butane. One such filling is enough for 3-4 hundred joints.

The device works efficiently; when heated by a burner, the pipe heats up in a few seconds. High-temperature soldering is carried out using gas mixtures of propane-oxygen or acetylene-air.

In addition, soldering can be carried out using a special electric soldering iron designed to work with copper parts. The device can work with both hard and soft solder. The soldering iron is connected to the network and used where it is impossible to work with an open flame. The device is equipped with clamping pliers and removable electrodes.

In addition to these tools, for pipeline installation you will need a marker or pencil, tape measure, hammer and building level.

Soldering technology for copper products

Having prepared the tools and materials, you can begin the soldering process. We perform all operations in the following sequence:

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Cut the part to the required length

A variety of tools can be used to cut copper pipes. The most commonly used tool is a manual pipe cutter. To ensure an even cut, hold the pipe only perpendicular to the tool.

We clamp the part between the roller and the blade and rotate the pipe cutter around it. Don’t forget to tighten the adjusting bolt by about a third of a turn after each turn. When using a pipe cutter, the cut will be smooth, and burrs will appear only inside the pipe.

It is best to cut the parts with a pipe cutter. It is important that the tool is of high quality, otherwise it will not be possible to avoid deformation of the copper pipe

But at the same time, the diameter of the product will decrease slightly, which is undesirable. You can avoid deformation of the part by cutting it with a hacksaw. But in this case, there will be a lot of burrs that will need to be removed, and you will need to use a template to reduce the bevel of the cut.

Crumpling or ovalization of the pipe cut will lead to unpleasant consequences, since it will certainly change the size of the installation gap. Its value should be in the range of 0.02-0.4 mm. If the gap is smaller, solder will not be able to get into it. By increasing the gap, the capillary effect will not appear.

As a result of cutting, the result should be a part with a strictly cylindrical end, having a minimum cut angle. Be sure to remove any burrs from the part, clean its inner surface with a brush and degrease it. We cut the second piece of pipe in the same way. We take a pipe expander and use a hammer to increase the diameter of the second pipe.

High-quality cleaning of the connected pipes is mandatory. There should be no burrs or burrs left inside the part that will impede the movement of liquid

We check how the parts fit into each other, check the dimensions of the resulting installation gap. It must exactly correspond to the norm. We clean and degrease the second part. We carry out the operation over the entire cross-section of the pipe, remembering that the length of the connection must be equal to the diameter of the part.

Apply flux to the surface of the pipe

Joint formation during low-temperature soldering

When making a soft connection, it is mandatory to use low-melting solder and low-temperature flux. For heating, you can take a standard or small-sized gas burner, which is charged with a mixture of propane and air or propane with butane and air. You can also take a special electric soldering iron.

We take the burner, turn it on and direct the flame to the joint of the pipes. The contact patch located between the flame and the part must be constantly moved. This is necessary to ensure that the elements heat up evenly. We take solder and touch the mounting gap with it from time to time. When heated enough, the solder begins to melt.

Solder is supplied to the soldering area when the parts are hot enough to melt it with their heat.

As soon as this happens, move the burner to the side to allow the solder to fill the capillary gap completely. If the solder has not yet begun to melt, continue heating. A special feature of low-temperature soldering is that the solder is not specially heated. It should melt from the heat of the heated elements of the connection.

After the solder fills the capillary gap completely, it must be allowed to cool, preferably under natural conditions. It must be remembered that the resulting soft connection has low strength, so touching it while hot is prohibited.

Another important point. During the soldering process, it is extremely important not to overheat the copper. Otherwise, the flux applied to the metal will be destroyed and, accordingly, will not be able to dissolve and remove oxides, which will have a sharply negative impact on the quality of the connection.

Therefore, it is advisable to use flux with solder powder. When the temperature of the part is sufficient to heat the solder, the powder will melt and droplets of the melt will be visible inside the flux.

If the use of a flame is unacceptable for some reason, soldering machines powered by electricity are used. Such equipment is a set of a power supply, electrical tongs and a soldering iron.

The procedure for heating and subsequent formation of a connection with a soldering iron is no different from that described above. The only caveat: it may take less time to fully warm up the parts than when heating with a burner.

Seam formation during high-temperature soldering

In the process of such soldering, a gas burner is also used to heat the parts. It is fueled with a mixture of propane and oxygen or acetylene and air. It is possible to use an acetylene-oxygen mixture.

To heat up copper parts when soldering, you can use a special electric soldering iron with a comfortable handle and pressure adjustment.

We smoothly move the burner along the future connection so that heating is as uniform as possible. When the copper heats up to about 750C, it will turn a dark cherry color. At this point, apply solder.

To warm it up better, you can warm it up a little with a burner. But at the same time, we must remember that the solder should melt from the heated parts of the connection, and not from the burner. Ideally, you need to provide the connection with minimal heating, at which the solder will immediately melt and fill the mounting gap the first time.

This may not work right away, but as you gain experience, the result will improve. After completely filling the gap with solder, leave the connection to cool. It is not recommended to touch it at this time. Wipe the cooled seam thoroughly to remove any remaining flux.

A detailed analysis of the technology for soldering copper pipelines using a gas torch, the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Safety precautions when soldering copper pipes

Novice craftsmen are interested in how to solder copper pipes correctly, but at the same time they forget about safety. This cannot be done. You need to understand that copper has a high thermal conductivity, so you cannot hold the parts in your hands without some kind of protection.

Carelessness and carelessness may result in a thermal burn. Small elements up to 0.3 m long are handled only with protective gloves or held with pliers.

Caution is also needed when working with flux. This is an extremely aggressive composition. If it gets on your skin during the soldering process, you should immediately stop work and wash the flux off your skin with plenty of soapy water. Otherwise, not only thermal, but also chemical burns may appear on the skin.

Soldering copper parts must be done carefully, in compliance with all safety rules. Otherwise, you may get injured - a chemical or thermal burn.

Clothes for work also need to be chosen correctly. Synthetic fabrics are absolutely not suitable. Artificial fiber is very sensitive to high temperatures. It melts and catches fire easily, so for work it is best to choose thick clothes made of natural cotton.

Another important point. When the parts are heated, the flux begins to burn. Its vapors are dangerous to humans. For this reason, the room in which soldering of copper pipes is carried out must be well ventilated.

Experienced craftsmen advise those who take up soldering for the first time to first practice on pipe scraps. Practice shows that after three or four independently completed connections, you can already begin installing the pipeline. In this case, it is advisable to assemble the system on the floor and only then start soldering.

The finished pipeline must be rinsed thoroughly with clean hot water to remove solder and flux from the inside of the parts.

Basic mistakes made when soldering

The process of soldering copper pipes is quite simple, but requires some experience. Beginners often make mistakes in their work.

Let's consider the main ones:

The presence of defects on the surface of the parts being connected. Such defects may appear during the cutting process of the pipe. If soldering is carried out over a defect, the seam will be weak.
Contamination in the area where elements are connected. Parts must be degreased after cutting and cleaning.
Insufficient width of the installation gap. According to the rules, for parts with a cross-section from 6 to 108 mm, the gap dimensions should be from 7 to 50 mm.
Insufficient heating of parts. In this case, the solder will not be able to fuse properly with the substrate. Such a seam will easily break even with a small load.
Flux does not cover the entire surface of the pipe. Oxides remain on the surface of the part, which negatively affects the quality of the seam.
Overheating of the connection area. Leads to flux combustion and the formation of oxide and scale. As a result, the quality of the connection deteriorates sharply.
Checking a hot connection. Before checking the quality of the seam, you need to make sure that the pipe has cooled down. Otherwise, the connection will inevitably deform and lose strength.
Ignoring safety rules. Soldering is carried out at high temperatures and using aggressive chemicals. Protective clothing, mask and gloves are required.

It may be difficult for a novice master to independently determine the degree of heating of the parts, then it is worth inviting a professional and making the first connections under his guidance.

You will be introduced to the methods of constructing heating circuits from copper pipes, which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can learn more interesting information about soldering copper pipes from the following videos.

Video #1. Features of high temperature copper soldering:

Video #2. How to solder copper fittings correctly:

Video #3. What types of fluxes are there for soldering?

Soldering copper pipes yourself is a useful skill that will definitely come in handy for the home handyman. Copper pipelines serve for a very long time and without problems. Considering the fairly high cost of such parts, you can save a lot on self-assembly and get a high-quality pipeline at a very reasonable price.

Do you have personal experience in connecting copper pipes by soldering? Perhaps you have knowledge about the nuances of carrying out work? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions, share your opinion and photos on the topic of the article.