Hello, I have a problem that I have controlled but would like some advice over if I may. I have made a few solder fittings on my heating system, but on re-filling 1 of them (a tee) leaked - I have drained system again. The system was dry before I soldered, so I am unsure why it leaked? But now need to un-solder it. I have just tried, I put the blowtorch on the joint for a few minutes but no joy - is there any way to fix this leak? Thank you for offering me any help available.
Leaking solder fitting problem
- Thread starter SteveGiles
- Start date
Sponsored Links
Hi steve
you can be lucky, with enough flux and careful heating, to resolder the joint. But I fear your only option may be to demount, re-clean and try again. There may not have been a good coverage of flux in the first place, or the pipe or flux may have had some crap on it. Or you may have either not had your torch hot enough, or too hot which burnt the flux off.
Demount and refit, in my opinion
you can be lucky, with enough flux and careful heating, to resolder the joint. But I fear your only option may be to demount, re-clean and try again. There may not have been a good coverage of flux in the first place, or the pipe or flux may have had some crap on it. Or you may have either not had your torch hot enough, or too hot which burnt the flux off.
Demount and refit, in my opinion
Sometimes, you can rescue a bad soldered joint. You will need the pipe to be dry inside, then dip the end of the solder in some flux, re-heat the leaking joint and try to get some solder to flow into it.
Don't overheat the joint, little bit of heat, remove flame, try solder, bit more heat.................and so on - until solder flows. Worth a go, but if not, will need the whole tee removed and new one sweated in.
I have only seen others do this method, as my joints never leak.
Don't overheat the joint, little bit of heat, remove flame, try solder, bit more heat.................and so on - until solder flows. Worth a go, but if not, will need the whole tee removed and new one sweated in.
I have only seen others do this method, as my joints never leak.
thanks for your help I am very thankful to you Is it worth investing in a good quality blow torch, will this help at all? And also, do demount the fitting - how much heat as I tried it and no joy yet, but I don;t think it was hot enough!
Is it worth investing in a good quality blow torch, will this help at all? And also, do demount the fitting - how much heat as I tried it and no joy yet, but I don;t think it was hot enough!Sponsored Links
A basic torch will be OK for occasional use on small pipe sizes, but a quality torch will always make the job a bit easier.
I use a Bernzomatic TS7000, but Rothenberger do one that's virtually the same.
http://www.bernzomatic.com/item.html?id=23
Some use MAPP gas, but I prefer Propane. It's hot enough for pipes up to 28mm, which is all I need.
I use a Bernzomatic TS7000, but Rothenberger do one that's virtually the same.
http://www.bernzomatic.com/item.html?id=23
Some use MAPP gas, but I prefer Propane. It's hot enough for pipes up to 28mm, which is all I need.
I would cut the joints at an angle, then put a mole grip on each of the joint stubs in turn and sweat them off. Try and keep the mole grip as far from the pipe as possible, otherwise you may distort it. A twisting action helps.
I have a basic Bullfinch blowtorch kit with 3.9kg Calor propane bottle swapped from a cheap butane tank I bought on eBay. Has served me well for 4 years.
I have a basic Bullfinch blowtorch kit with 3.9kg Calor propane bottle swapped from a cheap butane tank I bought on eBay. Has served me well for 4 years.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
Sponsored Links
