[B]Soldering 101 Question[/B]

[reasen]

I have a bad solder joint in a 1/2-inch copper line, at a coupling. Pin-hole spray of water. There are convenient shut-off valves to isolate the section of line, but the pipe is full of water. I think I have to cut the line, drain the water, and then re-fit and re-solder. Is that right?

 

[Plumber1]

soldering

You are right and I think it would help you if you bought a copper x copper x female adapter tee. Solder the tee in then use a brass pipe plug to close it up. Your probably talking 1/2" or 3/4" pipe.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[SteveW]

Did you by chance solder that joint with a "closed" system (i.e., with all the shutoff valves closed)? I recently learned on this forum that you should only solder when the pipe you're working with is open or else the pressure from air expanding when heated may cause a leak.

If you follow plumber1's advice about the tee, and of course orient the tee with the threaded side down, and leave the plug off when you solder, that should work.

 

[reasen]

Yes, Plumber1 and SteveW, I think you've got it right. I did solder the coupling into a closed section (closed by the two cut-off valves). And I agree, that's why I have the leak now: the stea/air pressure during the last soldering must have created the pin-leak I'm now dealing with.

I like your suggestion to use a Tee and a threaded plug, and will proceed with this plan. Ingenious! Thanks to both of you!!

 

[Cass]

You should be able to open a faucet, shower valve, hose bib, or something to not have a closed system.

That way you won't need a T.

If you go with T you may want to consider getting 1 that you can put a pressure gauge into if it is in your basement and readly accessable.

If your on a crawl space just plug it.

 

[reasen]

Job successfully completed, using a Tee adapter and threaded brass plug. I didn't need install a pressure gauge, but if I ever decide I want one, I know where I can install it, easily. I learned something - thanks to all of you.