Sweating copper prep

[Leemonster]

Hello all, I finished cleaning, fluxing, fitting several pipes and fittings but had to tend to some other chores before I could solder them. Is it OK to solder these joints after they have been sitting overnight or should I clean and flux again. Thanks

 

[Cass]

Solder them

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Gary Swart]

Clean 'em again. I read somewhere that something happens with the copper if it is allowed to set for a period of time before soldering. I never even bother to clean the fittings and pipe ends or apply flux until I actually am ready to solder the joint. If I can I'll do both ends of the fitting at once, but if that's not practical, I treat them individually. I normally use a round wire brush that fits inside the fitting and another doughnut-like brush that fits around outside of the pipe. Emery cloth works very well on pipe ends, but is harder to use inside fittings. I use a small brush for applying flux on the pipe ends as well as inside the fitting.

 

[Cass]

It takes more than 24 hrs. to affect the flux and copper. It should be fine. I have done some that had been fluxed more than 3 days.

 

[Gary Swart]

I yield to Cass's experience. I know I read something about this somewhere, but not remembering exactly what the time frame was, and since cleaning and fluxing take very little time or effort, I just took no chances. Thanks for setting us straight, Cass, but I think I'll continue with what I have gotten accustomed to doing.

 

[Cass]

I also yield to what you have become accustomed to. You have to feel that the job was done right.

 

[hj]

joints

It will also make a difference depending on exactly which flux you used. Some will create a patina, that does not clean itself when heated, while others will be reactivated by the heat.

 

[Leemonster]

Well I took a chance and went ahead with the soldering and had no problems. I used Oatey #95 flux with Oatey safe flo solder. Your advice is much appreciated. Thanks.