How to Unsolder Copper Plumbing

Copper plumbing is very common and is widely used in different types of installations around the world although heating and plumbing systems usually employ such a material. As with most home systems there is always the possibility of repairing it yourself but always keep in mind that you need to know what you are doing at all times. The subject at hand is how to unsolder copper plumbing, a task that can be very useful and is quite simple in theory. When you try to do your first unsolder you will immediately notice that practice and theory is not always the same thing. Unsoldering a copper plumbing fixture can draw with it the need to solder a new one back if not done properly.

In most cases it is preferred to put in a new piece because when unsoldering the old piece loses quality and we always want top quality in our plumbing system. To unsolder copper plumbing first you need to turn off the water and open the lowest valve you have in the drain system. In order to melt solder you need to eliminate water presence as much as possible. If you fail to remove water you will then need to cut the pipe with copper cutters and remove all the moisture you can find. After that you will fire your torch and apply heat to the piece you want to unsolder. As soon as you see the solder melting you need to grab a pair of pliers, twist and pull at the same time. During this operation you should not remove fire from the torch. The entire operation needs to be performed with patience and eventually the piece you want to unsolder will be removed.

Once you unsolder copper plumbing elements you will need to sold something back. This operation is actually a little more difficult than unsoldering because it needs to be perfect in order to not develop leaks over time. You will need a clean cut that should be done with a tube cutter or a fine tooth-hacksaw blade. Start using a propane torch (recommended) and when the surface is bright and shining use flux on both the tube and fitting. Join them together while being sure the surface is clean of impurities. The tricky part is here. You need to start heating the tube end first and then start heating the fitting. Alternate between the two pieces and when the solder starts to melt use the flame on the entire joint and you will notice it will quickly be full of solder. Do not overheat it and you are done.

As you can see, it is easy to unsolder copper plumbing but a little easier to sold it. With this in mind, in case you do not do it properly do not be demoralized. You will eventually get the hang of it!