Need help with a leak....

[megan01]

Hi Guys.

I read some info on here and decided that i would give soldering ago. I've done a 'simple' job and moved my washing machine from one end of the kitchen to the other. (having new units fitted soon)

However, despite my best efforts i have got 2 little leaks. Do i need to cut it all out and start again. I have tried to re-solder but the solder won't go into the fittings that are leaking.

Thanks

Meg
x

 

[Rob]

To re-solder it will need to be completly dry

 

[JohnD]

You can't solder a copper pipe if it has water in it. Even a tiny drop,
Once it has been wet it is almost impossible to get it perfectly dry again (unless you take the section out and put it in the oven)

You probably won't believe me until you've wasted an hour or so of your time trying.

I think you would spend your time cutting out the leaky bits and re-jointing with brass compression fittings. they are rather more expensive. Sorry.

Edited, bah, too slow! While I was writing my long reply...

 

[megan01]

what if i leave it to dry for a day??? then could i brush some flux over and try again . seems a shame as just very tiny drips. surely , you professionals dont cut out your fittings when you happen to get a leaking fitting.

 

[JohnD]

what if i leave it to dry for a day??? then could i brush some flux over and try again

Hahahahahahaha!

It is wet inside

I said you wouldn't believe me!

Come back after you've tried a few times.

If you blow hot dry compressed air through it for an hour you might get it dry.

 

[Rob]

you professionals dont cut out your fittings when you happen to get a leaking fitting

What's a leak?

 

[megan01]

Well when i had my heating installed the guys had a couple of leaks to fix. they drained down my system. then they brushed flux on the fittings and added some solder. the leaks were fixed. thats where i got the idea from. again, i bet there is someone on here that knows a 'trick'. Still cant beleive you 'pros' 1 - dont get leaks, and 2 - know how to fix without cutting out and putting another fitting in.

meg

 

[Agile]

surely you professionals dont cut out your fittings when you happen to get a leaking fitting.

A true professional would not "get leaks" !

Tony

 

[sambotc]

You dont have to get it completly dry to the point of having to dry it in the oven at all? otherwise how would you connect into existing pipework? rip it all out and start again?

Best bet is to cut the pipe close to the leak if it cannot be drianed anywhere else and make sure you drain as much of the water out as possible, open all the tap's etc. Then solder in a coupling where you cut it.

Make sure the leaking fitting is thoughly clean, and don't get the fitting to hot other wise you'll burn the flux. If it's just a drip the you probably dont need to add any more solder, just a bit of flux on the end of a small brush wiped on making sure the solder runs should fix it.

Sam

 

[sambotc]

surely you professionals dont cut out your fittings when you happen to get a leaking fitting.

A true professional would not "get leaks" !

Tony

Never ever? not even a dodgy fitting?

 

[megan01]

surely you professionals dont cut out your fittings when you happen to get a leaking fitting.

A true professional would not "get leaks" !

Tony

i think you do Tony. thats why you keep electrical solder in your toolbox

 

[Agile]

I use the solder for repairing electrical solder joints and for fixing other's faulty solder joints. The electrical flux is more effective that the plumbers type.

As I repair boilers its only rarely that I install pipework.

I did solder a whole house heating system for a friend but there were no leaks on the pipework there. Some on his screwed rad valve joints though.

Its very rare for anyone to get leaks on soldered pipe joints on new pipework. I take alsolute care with cleaning and flux both parts of each joint.

Tony

 

[megan01]

So, Tony. If i drain the water out of my washing machine pipes and let them dry (as i have already done). Then re-heat and touch with some electrical flux - that my do the trick. If not i'll resign myself to having to cut them out and try again.

 

[Agile]

Its flux cored electrical solder!

Best 60/40 if its not mains water pipe otherwise it has to be the lead free but that does not solder as well.

Tony