How To Solder Copper Pipe Like a Pro (Tips & Tricks) | GOT2LEARN

Tools and materials I used in this video: AutoCut Pipe Cutter 1/2": amzn.to/2XlyqAn AutoCut Pipe Cutter 3/4: amzn.to/2GZFrkf Pencil Torch: amzn.to/2U3OTaa Broad flame torch: amzn.to/2Jeaeeq Fitting Wire Brush 1/2": amzn.to/2BOlNVc Fitting Wire Brush 3/4": amzn.to/2U33enp Propane gas(Blue bottle): amzn.to/2BOhnh7 Lead-free tinning flux: amzn.to/2U3abEW Lead-free flux(water soluble): amzn.to/2XjaYn9 Flux brushes: amzn.to/2T8ROBc Lead-free solder: amzn.to/2EoqSFb Lead solder: amzn.to/2Lo2xVF Flame protector: amzn.to/2Vh8q7o Abrasive pads: amzn.to/2NnA9QP All-in-one deburring tool (blue): amzn.to/2U3J1xu Inspection mirror: amzn.to/2Y0HuK8

Call me weird, but I like to see a few millimeters of solder adjacent to the joint.

Good technique- I like seeing blokes with good hand skills. I'm a licensed plumber and take pride in workmanship. It's good to see someone promoting quality!!

The quality of the preparation for these videos is insane. Legit, one of the singular most detailed YouTubers.

I like the fact there is always plenty of room in these videos unlike in reality when they are tight against a wall in hard to access places.

We have a timber frame house with exposed copper piping for the fire suppression system. The plumber that did our joints did a fantastic job with just a small fillet of solder around the fittings. He went to the extra trouble to make the soldering look good because people will see his work for the life of the house.

After watching your video, I assisted my neighbor in installing the water heater. Following your technique, the results were amazing. My neighbor thanked me for a professional result. In fact, I convey my thanks to you, because you deserve the credit.

I am a diyer with no experience at soldering copper pipe, but after watching some of these videos I got together some 1/2 in pipe and tools and began practicing. After a while my joints started looking decent and I thought they wouldn't leak although I had no way to test them, but they looked filled and good. So, I learned what it takes to make a good joint. Then I hired a plumber to install a new water heater. I was particularly interested in watching him solder the copper pipes. I was really impressed. All of his joints were examples of good soldering technique. I couldn't have done what he did but I know a good joint when I see one.

Wow an absolutely clear explanation as to what is happening and when. The technique is impeccable.

I solder with cotton gloves. A finger swipe at the end to knock off the drops and leave a clean appearance. Then a quick wipe with a damp rag to get rid of the flux. I like the look of a tiny, even fillet of solder. Key word TINY. I was taught never to rely on capillary action on a horizontal joint and trace a full 360 with the solder. When i started with my father, he recommended bending a tight 90 at the end of the solder to mark it and get just the right amount until I got a feel for it. 1/2 " copper 1/2 inch of solder, 3/4" for 3/4" etc. When the bent leg is gone, you're done. Lather rinse repeat. To speed cleaning he had drill brush attachments made up for male and female for 1/2 and 3/4 fittings. They work great. I still have them around somewhere. Don't do enough copper anymore to use them much these days. Not saying my way is THE way. Just sharing what works for me.

I really like the tinning flux because as you are heating the joint, the ground up solder in the flux starts to plate out when you are at temperature. This helps me a ton because it is a signal to me that I I can start applying the solder and moderate application of heat to minimize the potential for overheating the joint. The other thing I noticed is the ground up solder in the flux really reduces joint fouling due to regular flux overheating and oxidation. great video!

This video is pure gold. Once you understand the concept, it's pure gold.

I’ve never seen such a beautiful soldering job on any pipes in any house I’ve ever been in. Including the new homes my boss was building when I was in high school.

It’s nice to see these how to videos. One way I learned on the different methods was cut in half the coupling and hammer it flat after soldering. You will see how good your soldering method works. Try different scenarios, what happened when you don’t clean your pipe or fitting. Or when you don’t wear gloves and you leave finger prints on the pipe. I guess I should make a video too🤔

Followed your advise when soldering gas tank air pressure lines on my 1914 Oldsmobile, and your video helped me do a much better job than I've done in the past. Thanks alot.

A few years back my cleaning brush had gotten contaminated, it looked fine but something on it was ruining my joints. About 25% of my joints were failing and had to be re-done. After going crazy for about 3 months, one day I couldn't find my brush so I used sand paper and no failures! I was so excited to finally be free of that curse I was stopping strangers to tell them about my lousy cleaning brush.

Great video! Especially with the short clips on examples explaining what you are talking about. I've noticed while heating the fitting , the flux comes out. I wipe it with a rag( yes its hot) , then apply the solder mainly on vertical piping. Its clean enough to look professional. And no leaks!

I want to thank you Sooooo much... watched many of videos for tips and tricks. Just soldered a vertical 1" copper line (Main line). 4 joints soldered... you amazing. Thank you again, came out PERFECT

Apart from the cleanliness and preparation what made the biggest difference to my ability to produce good joints as a DIYer was a decent MAPP gas torch. Especially on larger fittings where there is more metal to heat, the ability to get good heat into the fitting quickly is a must.

Awesome job. My grandfather taught me the basics 40 something years ago. This takes it to the next level. Thanks