Solder In Plumbing

To reduce the process of ‘Soldering’ into its most basic terms, it is a well known way of melting a soft metal to join two metal components in order to stick them together. NW4 Plumbers can solder connections. Soldering is totally different from welding. To weld, the parts are melted together. With soldering, a much softer metal that has a lower melting point is used to join them. As soldering doesn’t melt the parts, it is really good for a more delicate type of job, like electronics and plumbing. So, solder is really a kind of “metal glue.” It can fill in gaps and hold pieces steady, but isn’t too technical. Solder is metallic, so it a conductor of electricity, which is the main reason it is so commonly used in electronics. Plumbing joints when soldered will be really watertight and permanent. Here is a general guide for soldering: Both surfaces that are going to be soldered will touch so need to be clean, both inside and out with wire wool or similar. Spread flux on the clean surfaces. This flux is a special type of paste, and can be found in plumber’s merchants. The flux is applied to keep the areas clean whilst soldering, it also ensures the hot molten solder sticks to the copper and flows much easier. Make sure the pipework that is going to be soldered has no water in it because this will have a cooling affect that could slow or stop the soldering process as the solder will not melt completely or flow correctly. A qualifed professional like an NW4 Plumber can solder all types of metal pipework. The soldering heat needs to be applied direct from a blowtorch to the joint and let the solder melt. Solder must be worked as soon as it melts so it will not burn the flux off. There are pre-soldered fittings that can be used so the solder will run from the mouth of the fitting. You should take care regarding combustible materials near any direct heat source as it could quite easily cause a fire. Allow the joint to cool totally after soldering so it will be a good fit. Remove any residual flux off from the parts once the soldering is finished, or it can corrode the metal. Check for leaks.

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