How to Use Solder Capillary Fittings?

Posted on November 23, 2007 in Plumbing

For repairing a solder fitting that is leaking you need the following materials and tools.

Materials you need - wire wool, plumbing solder flux, thin gauge solder.

Tools you need - blow torch or heat gun, damp cloth, heat screen.

How to repair?

First you have to cut all the pieces of pipes to length. You have to clean the ends of each pipe to bright metal with a piece of steel wool.
Slide each piece of pipe into the connector. Let them go in as far as they stop in the body. If a pipe binds, it indicates the following:
A distorted end to the pipe - do not try to bend the end of the pipe back into shape. It rarely works. Instead cut another length of pipe.
A burr on out side of the pipe - use a fine file to remove the burr carefully.
An obstruction in the body - if there is a defect in the casting, you may need to discard the connector. If it is because of roughness of the solder ring within, remove it with the help of a small, round file to recover the connector.
Apply a thin coating of solder flux around the pipe: Use a small brush for this as the solder flux generally contains some form of acid. Brush helps to keep it away from your skin.
Insert the pipe into the connector body with a twisting movement, as far as it will go.
Arrange the remaining pipes into the body of the connector. Do not try to fit and solder each pipe separately.
Place a heat screen behind the connector, if necessary. It protects the surrounding surfaces from the blowtorch.
Light the blowtorch and let it burn for one or two minutes. It allows the nozzle to heat up and avoids the flaring up of flame when the torch is tilted. Adjust the flame until the centre is bright blue.

Types of fittings and how to work with them:

There are two types of fittings available in the market - standard plain fittings and integral solder type fittings.

Standard plain fittings:

They do not have a built-in solder. Unroll a length of solder, then you need not get too close to the heated pipes. Apply heat to the whole joint in the even and gentle way. Play the flame across each joint and all around them. When the flux begins to bubble, apply the end of the solder to the joint. Touch the solder onto three or four places around the fitting. Capillary action draws the solder in between pipe and fitting. Wipe a damped cloth around each joint in a gentle way to smooth the solder.

Integral solder type fittings:

With these you have to work in the same way as mentioned for standard plain fittings. But here the solder will be already in place. As soon as sufficient heat is applied, it will be drawn from its groove into the narrow gap between fitting and pipe.

Always apply heat gently and evenly. When a ring of solder appears in the gap between, remove the heat source. If you continuously apply heat, it can cause the solder to drain out of the joint altogether. Wipe a damped cloth around each joint to smooth the solder. Then allow it to cool.

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How to Use Solder Capillary Fittings?

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