Soldering brass drain valve into copper

[markyyyyyy]

Hi.

I’m installing a new radiator and have bought anthracite radiator valves, I just think they look nicer than a radiator valve with a drain valve built in to it.

As a result, I want to solder a brass drain valve onto a copper T, into the pipework

Is it just the usual process of fluxing the brass ( treat as if cooper pipe) and solder onto the cooper T?

Roughly how long would I have to heat up the copper T before applying solder? Being a DIYer I usually buy the pre soldered rings and just wait for solder to appear around the ring

Cheers

 

[Alec_t]

Roughly how long would I have to heat up the copper T before applying solder?

It depends on the power of your heat source, and whatever other pipework you have connected to the T (which will conduct heat away from the T). Clean and flux the parts to be joined, assemble them, and heat up until solder applied to the joint area melts freely and gets drawn into the joint.

 

[markyyyyyy]

It depends on the power of your heat source, and whatever other pipework you have connected to the T (which will conduct heat away from the T). Clean and flux the parts to be joined, assemble them, and heat up until solder applied to the joint area melts freely and gets drawn into the joint.

Thanks for the advice

With solder wire, do I just move it around the top of the joint (will it weep seep all the way round?) or so I have to touch the solder wire all the way round?

Thanks

 

[Alec_t]

The solder should flow all round if the parts are well fluxed, but it needs sufficient to penetrate well into the joint by capillary action. If the valve contains a seal, be careful not to damage that with excess heat.

 

[gas112]

before you solder it dismantle the draincock so that the rubber washer doesnt melt and stick .
And use this type .

Primaflow Brass Solder Drain Off Stop Cock - 15mm | Wickes.co.uk

Primaflow Brass Solder Drain Off Stop Cock - 15mm

www.wickes.co.uk