Copper sweat question - pipe ends

[MikeTA]

I'll be replacing a water heater, and will remove the existing copper fittings to install a new arrangement.

Once the old fittings are removed, the existing copper pipe ends will have old solder on them .... seems very hard if not impossible to remove it all.

Any tips (other than cutting back pipe, which I don't have room to do)? Or does that old solder even need to be completely removed?

Many thanks!

 

[havasu]

If you can heat up the solder on the old pipe, and wet rag it off a few times, most of the solder should come off. If you could then sand it down until you have fresh copper exposed, you should be fine.

 

[MikeTA]

Thanks very much ... I'll try that.

 

[havasu]

My only other suggestion would be to solder a threaded end to accept a braided flexible water heater supply line so the next time your tank needs servicing or replaced, you won't have to do any soldering.

 

[majakdragon]

Heat the existing solder and wipe with a dry rag. A wet rag will solidify the solder instantly. You can then sand whatever solder is still left, although if the fitting slips back on, you don't need to. Just apply new flux and resolder.

 

[MikeTA]

Heat the existing solder and wipe with a dry rag. A wet rag will solidify the solder instantly. You can then sand whatever solder is still left, although if the fitting slips back on, you don't need to. Just apply new flux and resolder.

So, even if the old solder on the pipe isn't 100% removed, as long as the new fitting slips on properly, still works? Just flux and resolder in the normal way?

Thanks.

 

[speedbump]

I have never even sanded the old solder, just put flux on the new fitting, heat the pipe with the old solder and when it liquefies, slide on the new fitting, add a little solder and your good to go.

 

[DFBonnett]

Or does that old solder even need to be completely removed?

No. Just heat and smooth it out enough so you can slip on the new fitting.

 

[havasu]

Majak, DF and Speed are some of our experts. Take their information as gold.

 

[MikeTA]

Thanks to all ... that's very helpful, and much appreciated.

 

[DFBonnett]

Majak, DF and Speed are some of our experts. Take their information as gold.

I'm no expert. My father was a plumber for over 50 years. He was a magician with a torch. Growing up I just watched and was occasionally pressed into service. Thanks for the compliment though.

 

[MikeTA]

My only other suggestion would be to solder a threaded end to accept a braided flexible water heater supply line so the next time your tank needs servicing or replaced, you won't have to do any soldering.

Planning to solder in copper male threaded fittings for this purpose ... does that work, or do I need something different?

 

[havasu]

I would purchase the flexible supply lines first to make sure you have the correct thread and once you confirm it fits, go to town.