Hi everyone, I joined recently, although I have been browsing the forums for well over a year. I am not a plumber by trade but I have always completed my own work successfully. I have installed wet central heating in my three previous houses and the only leaks I had have been with compression joints, resolved by a nip-up. I am now changing all the rads in my bungalow, where the pipeing is currently buried in the concrete floors, and running new pipeing via the loft space. My problem is that I am not able to make solder joints without them failing at least 50% of the time. I am doing everything I always do. I have a new pot of flux, for lead free solder. New lead free solder and unused pipe. The copper pipe is though about 12 years old, the remains of my last heating project.
I have looked at the hints and FAQs but remain flumoxed. I am cleaning the pipework with emery/wire wool, applying flux to the pipe then fitting and turning. I have used a smeer of flux, then applied it more heavily thinking the flux was evaporating. I don't think I am overheating the joint, applying heat only until the solder melts. I saw the hint re overheating and causing oxidisation and I have to say, the failed joints do look a bit dark in colour. Often though the solder seems reluctant to flow into the joint, as if the jount is greasy, but I always clean thoroughly. Could I have a duff pot of flux?. Should I be using brand new pipeing?
Your thoughts will be welcome.
I have looked at the hints and FAQs but remain flumoxed. I am cleaning the pipework with emery/wire wool, applying flux to the pipe then fitting and turning. I have used a smeer of flux, then applied it more heavily thinking the flux was evaporating. I don't think I am overheating the joint, applying heat only until the solder melts. I saw the hint re overheating and causing oxidisation and I have to say, the failed joints do look a bit dark in colour. Often though the solder seems reluctant to flow into the joint, as if the jount is greasy, but I always clean thoroughly. Could I have a duff pot of flux?. Should I be using brand new pipeing?
Your thoughts will be welcome.