Soldering copper pipe is a relatively easy task, but it’s a good idea to practice before you get too deeply involved in a plumbing task that requires some soldering. You can practice on some old scraps of copper pipe or even some cheap fittings that you get from the store. When you have copper pipe soldering as part of a larger plumbing project, here are the steps to follow.


Step 1: Cut the pipe to the length that you need. You will need a plumper’s pipe cutter or a hacksaw to do this. The plumber’s pip cutter usually does a neater job.

Step 2: Clean the inside of the fitting with a round wire brush and wipe down the end with an emery cloth. Making sure the fitting is clean will ensure that the seal is strong.

Step 3: Apply a layer of lead-free flux (soldering paste) to the end of the pipe with a flux brush. It should cover the one inch at the end of the pipe. Then, insert the pipe into the fitting and twist it slightly to help spread the flux.

Step 4: You will need about 8 to 10 inches of solder wire to solder a standard-sized copper pipe to a fitting. Unwind this length of wire and bend the two inches at the end to a 90-degree angle.

Step 5: To heat the fitting, hold the torch up to the joint and keep it there for about 4 to 5 seconds, or until the flux begins to make an audible sizzling sound.

Step 6: Move the flame to the lower end of the fitting and touch the solder to the pipe. If the solder begins to melt, then the pipe and fitting are hot enough.

Step 7: When the solder melts upon contact with the pipe, then you know you have it hot enough. Working quickly, take the flame away and melt about half an inch of solder into the joint. The melted solder will naturally be drawn into the joint, making an airtight fitting.

Step 8: After you’ve soldered around the entire joint, wait for the pipe to cool enough to touch it (but not so much that the solder hardens), and then wipe away the solder. Once the pipe has cooled completely, check the water and watch closely for leaks. If you do see a leak, you can wait for the water to drain through and then reheat the joint. IF that doesn’t work, go through the soldering process again from the beginning.