How To Sweat Copper Pipe In Tight Spaces?

Soldering a copper pipe involves heating the pipe to join them together by using a propane torch. You have to be extra careful since you will be using fire to melt them together. The problem arises when what you need to solder is located in a tight place. But don't worry! We have come up with a solution to this problem after thorough research. 

To sweat a copper pipe in tight places, you should do the following:

  1. Have the right tools/materials for soldering and ventilating your space.
  2. Fireproof the area where you don't want to get burned.
  3. Move unnecessary objects that are within the area of the copper pipe. 
  4. If possible, dry fit your piping and fitting first and assemble the connections before sweating them together. 
  5. Prepare your pipe.
  6. Use a solder that is the best fit for your copper pipe.
  7. Start to sweat/solder the fitting first.

Sweating can be done by yourself, but it might get tricky if the location where you will be soldering is challenging. If that's the case, then continue reading below, for we have provided you with well-researched content. This will surely help you!

Plumbing contractor sweating the joints on the copper pipe, How To Sweat Copper Pipe In Tight Spaces?

How To Sweat Copper Pipe In Tight Spaces

In soldering copper pipes in tight places, you have to consider many aspects because this is a fire-related task. Below are steps you need to take so you can solder in tight places without worry.

Soldering copper pipes with tin and torch

1. Prepare Tools/Materials And Ventilate Your Space

Since sweating a copper pipe involves fire, it is best to secure your protective gear for this, not to mention that you'll be doing this in a tight space. Ventilation is also an essential factor. You need to ensure enough air goes in and out of the area to avoid getting suffocated by the smell of the copper burning. 

Materials Needed for Soldering in a Tight Space:

Tools and materials for soldering copper pipes

Below is  the list of items that you will need to sweat copper pipe, especially in tight spaces:

  • Torch: You will need this to melt the solder and copper pipe together.
  • Solder: This metal-stick-like structure is used to melt together with the pipe.
  • Flux: This helps in making sure that the solder slides down the pipe properly.
  • Copper Pipe Cutters/Saw: Used to cut pipes. If you don't have a copper pipe cutter, you can opt to use a saw.
  • Sand Cloth: This is used to sand the copper pipe.
  • Fitting Brush: This is used to sand and clean the inside of the pipe.
  • Fire Barrier: This is used to protect the area around the copper pipe in which you don't want to get burned. Especially used for sweating in tight spaces.
  • Safety Equipment: It would be best if you had heat-resistant gloves, a fire extinguisher, goggles, and a spray bottle filled with water.

Check out this soldering flux at Amazon.

2. Fireproof The Area

In this step, you will need a fire-resistant cloth. This is an important step because you wouldn't want to damage the area around the pipe and end up burning things unintentionally.

When choosing a barrier, you must consider the space where you will be putting it. Purchasing one is also convenient because aside from sweating a copper pipe, you may use it when fixing things using fire.

Check out this Diversitech heat-resistant cloth at Amazon.

3. Move Unnecessary Items Within The Area 

Clear your space. You have to remove things within close range of the pipe you are going to sweat to avoid unexpected fire. For those objects you cannot remove, you can use a fire-resistant cloth or a fire barrier to cover them and ensure that they are secured.

4. Dry Fit Piping and Fitting

Plumbing concept copper pipes pipe cutter and fitting

If you are soldering a copper pipe in a tight space, you can opt to assemble the pipe and the fitting outside of that tight space instead of having a hard time assembling it inside the tight space.

Before assembling it all together, you should dry fit the pipping and the space to make sure that it is exact. It is best to check the right sizing of your pipe and fitting to help you save time.

5. Prepare Your Pipe

In this step, you'll have to sand your copper pipe outside by using the sand cloth. You will also need to sand and clean the inside of the pipe and the fitting by using the fitting brush.

Make sure that the pipe and the fitting are smooth enough to ensure that they will stick right with the fitting. Don't forget to wear your protective gloves.

Check out this plastic-handled fitting brush at Amazon.

6. Use A Proper Solder

There are different kinds of solder for copper pipes that you probably don't know about. In sweating in tight spaces, you have to consider what kind of soldering iron you have to use to make sure that it will not be hard for you once you start.

To ensure that you are using the right soldering iron, here are two kinds you have to consider.

Leaded Solder

This is also known as the soft solder and is commonly used for those who are starting with electronics. This is ideal for projects with high melting points that do not require much time for melting.

Lead-free Solder

This is commonly used when you want to comply with a certain standard. This is safer in terms of health and is used for long-term soldering. Using this, you don't have to worry about voids for a long time. If sweating in a tight space, it is better to curve the solder wire like a hook for convenience. 

Check out this lead-free solder at Amazon.

7. Sweat The Fitting (Elbow Pipe) First

Plumbing contractor works sweating the joints on the copper pipe domestic water system

Before you start soldering your pipe and your fitting, make sure that you have put the flux, as this will help ensure that the fitting will melt with the pipe.

Assuming that you followed the 4th step, you should now have an assembled copper pipe. All you have to do is connect the pipe with the fitting located in the tight space.

In sweating the pipe with the fitting and using the right solder wire, you should sweat the elbow-like pipe first. Apply a moderate amount of heat to ensure that the flux inside is melted, then proceed with sweating at the entry point of the fitting. It would be best if you also considered re-heating the complex joints.

What to do After Sweating Your Copper Pipe

After sweating your pipe, you now have to clean it. You can simply brush a flux on the pipe while it's still hot. Once it's dry, you can clean the excess off with a dry cloth. It is also important that you don't clean the pipe with water automatically, as this might result in it being rusty.

After cleaning,  proceed with checking if there is any leak. Turn on your water and check for voids in the pipe. If there is a void, then go back to step 1 carefully. This means that you will have to remove the joint and re-apply for a new one. You can always call a plumber if you think this is too complex.

Check this post on water leaking around the radon pipe titled: "Water Leaking Around Radon Pipe – Why And What To Do?"

Soldering A Pipe With Water Inside

Preferably, you should not sweat a pipe if it still has water in it. But if the circumstance does not permit it, you can proceed and do the same steps above. The only difference is the additional tools you need, which are the pipe plug and the use of a rag to protect the joints.

Here are the steps to solder if the pipe has water in them

  • Cut your copper pipe and rotate it until the tube falls off.
  • Remove burrs or build-up.
  • Clean and sand the outside of the pipe.
  • Apply water plugs. This is important because it will be hard to solder the tube if it has water directly from that area.
  • Use a wet cloth or a fire-resistant cloth to cover the pipe connectors.
  • Flux the fitting and start to solder the pipe.
  • When done, start to check for leaks.

Check out this post on expanding foam corroding copper pipes for more insight titled: "Does Expanding Foam Corrode Copper Pipes?"

Conclusion

A plumbing contractor sweating the joints on the copper pipe

Sweating a copper pipe in tight spaces requires proper precaution. You should prepare the right tools and safety gear and ensure enough ventilation in your location.

It is also essential to check afterward if there is leaking, and you have to ensure that the pipe is clean. Lastly, if soldering a copper pipe in a tight space is too complicated for you, don't hesitate to call a plumber.

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