Re-soldering question from a DIY'er

Users who are viewing this thread

Davebutch

New Member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Richmond, VA
I soldered a pipe on the downstream side of a ½ in ball valve and found a pinhole leak after turning on the valve. I drained the line and let the pipe dry, then heated the connection and removed the pipe from the valve body. How clean does the inside of the connection on the valve need to be before it can be re-soldered? If enough solder is removed to allow the pipe to fit, will that be good enough assuming I then sand and flux the connection? Or does the solder have to be removed to the bare brass?
 

MACPLUMB

In the Trades
Messages
1,080
Reaction score
83
Points
48
Location
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Re-soldering

Yes that will work, !

If you have a 1/2" fitting brush cut the handle off and chuck into your drill
it is a lot easier to get clean that way

inspect your joint very carefull before turning water back on !

I use a automotive style inspection mirror for tight spaces
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,770
Reaction score
1,190
Points
113
Location
New England
Clean any corrosion, reflux both the socket and pipe, and then resolder. If you can fit it into the socket, you should be good. What often works well is to heat it, then wipe with a clean rag (make sure it isn't syntheic fibers - it will melt and make a mess!). This will get the vast majority of solder off the pipe.
 

Prashster

New Member
Messages
936
Reaction score
4
Points
0
From my own meager experience:

Solder will stick to solder AND copper just fine, provided it's all supercleaned and fluxed.
 

Prashster

New Member
Messages
936
Reaction score
4
Points
0
It just has to be cleaned, not "supercleaned".

Are you serious? I don't understand the point of your sarcasm except to say, "I'm a pro, you're an idiot."

I meant 'supercleaned' as 'cleaned well'; even the slightest bit of oxidation or dirt has impeded (for ME) a good solder joint.
 
Last edited:

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,942
Reaction score
3,459
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
Clean works for me too.

Clean it, flux it, solder it.

Make sure you have a valve open somewhere to let out the exanding air, or the last joint you solder will have a pinhole leak.

soldering_kit.jpg
 
Last edited:
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks