The CORRECT Way To Fix A Leaking Joint (UNSOLDERING) | GOT2LEARN

[@Got2Learn]

Join my plumbing forum for free: got2learn.freeforums.net/

[@jodywade5617]

As a Plumber who has been doing this trade for 45 years, I give you two thumbs up. Clean joint and all.

[@Got2Learn]

👌👌👌 thank you sooooo much Jody!!!

[@fixedit8689]

Don’t forget to deburr inside n out

[@station-7]

Why are there always tradesmen with decades worth of experience on tutorial videos?

[@fixedit8689]

@@station-7 some are willing to share their knowledge and experience

[@l.d.lepage1506]

Few reasons: there's always more than one way to skin the cat. 2) a Top Notch Tradesman keeps learning, always. 3) I'm constantly recommending videos to my helpers as new skills are needed. 4) Got2learn makes some of the best plumbling instructional videos for learners and advanced DIY

[@jeffchew9677]

I’ve been doing commercial plumbing for decades and this guy is showing the proper procedures on every video I’ve seen. Some circumstances won’t allow you to get all the water out of the area in question. If this happens you may have to use a slip coupling to repair the leak. Doing this will allow you to cut the pipe near the leak to drain the remaining water. After it is drained you can mark your pipe so you can assure your coupling is centered before soldering your joints.

[@Got2Learn]

Thanks Jeff 🙏🙏🙏

[@stephenholland6328]

Jeff, thanks for providing validation so we amateurs can’t have confidence in the videos.

[@johncharlemagne9449]

This guy knows what he’s talking about I’ve been working on pipework for more than 40 years listen to him he’s showing you how to do it the correct way.

[@Got2Learn]

;)

[@AMindInOverdrive]

How do we know that YOU know what you are talking about? LOL...sorry...couldn't resist ;-)

[@noneovyerbusiness4909]

Sometimes even the correct way doesn't work when it's copper.

[@flagmichael]

Being a home handyman, I noticed that sometimes I could not get the solder to wick cleanly. I was picking up materials at our local hardware store where they have experienced tradesmen who provide invaluable advice. The plumber explained to me that paste flux has a limited life - a few months can make it tougher to work with - and mine was years old. Sure enough, the cheap can of flux I bought was immensely better than the can I had for so many years.

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

Laco Flux, Sterling solder, Mapp (yellow) gas for your torch. You will be invincible!

[@johnlennon1151]

Get a tradesman to do it.

[@blackpine6693]

Never had trouble with flux, clean , with proper heating……..water, closed system causing steam, or air expansion….

[@dontfit6380]

@@blackpine6693 same here and I’m still using a quart of flux I bought in 1996

[@nickjones9867]

@@johnlennon1151 what, so they can smash big holes in your house just to fix a single joint and charge you £250 for the privilege? No thanks.

[@johnmarese1310]

Electrician here. Couldn't fix a leak in a sprinkler system I'm installing, and this was the video that showed me how to fix this issue and why it happened. Great show! Thanks plumber!!!

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome man, i'm glad I could help out ;)

[@johnmarese1310]

@@Got2Learn Me too!!!

[@SH19922x]

Both plumbing and cable running is about the simplest thing you could do, other electrical is hard, i think you guys are too overpaid compared to the kind of work mechanics and boilermakers do

[@capitaldd5840]

@@SH19922x Go fix a hundred shit filled toilets and busted plumbing stacks and you'll change your tune - and clothes. It depends on the job and work location. Dealer mechanics might work fast but they're inside a warm shop. Boiler makers - not the best environment , assuming they're in an actual boiler. But I've worked with many BM, who we not eager to work. So, your statement needs further thought and explanation. I guess your exposure to the trades is limited to KZbin. This video shows a basic repair in an easy to access area - thats not usually the situation. Get out there And bust a knuckle... Cheers

[@sparkythedetroitdoggo8281]

This is fantastic . As an industrial maintenance technician I always do everything myself . However I have always found it difficult to solder copper pipes correctly . I was having a miserable time with my new hot water heater installation . Your advice saved me countless hours of work . Thank you so much for the help ! God bless ! (New subscriber)

[@cliftonjarvis8010]

Never say hot water heater ,just say water heater,if the water is hot you don’t need a heater.

[@blackbirdmetaldetecting6893]

Good job brother, I was a Licensed plumber for 28 years . My mentor was very hard on me but when I realized why I thanked him every time I saw him . I miss plumbing sometimes but being retired at 50 years old feels great .....

[@Got2Learn]

🤘🤘🤘

[@irishmike4914]

My old curmudgeon plumber gave tough love. He who has leaks buys drinks.

[@cnosprandt5155]

My father was a master at this. Unfortunately, I never payed close attention and he has passed away. This video and your others have been invaluable in filling the gaps in how this is done for me. Many thanks!

[@Got2Learn]

😇😇😇

[@mindaugastuzikas]

Not many 100% explanatory videos like this. Respect !

[@Got2Learn]

I appreciate that! Thanks for sharing ;)

[@palco22]

Plumbing is an technical art ! I know a lot of plumbers and they are far from being artists. But I also know a few that are truly plumbing artists, It's so satisfying to see their work.

[@Got2Learn]

🙏

[@noneovyerbusiness4909]

It's not only an art, when it's copper it's a pain in the ass!

[@palco22]

@@noneovyerbusiness4909 Lose weight and use suspenders. We don't want to see your ass !

[@MrOlaf1972]

As a professional hvac tech, this vid has filled in some of the gaps in my soldering education. Soldering has never really been my strong point0 mostly because my teachers never really covered this stuff in this sort of detail. Thanks!!!

[@Nuttypro-f]

You solder your line sets?

[@1oolabob]

I'm a professional plumber, so of course I want to toss in my $0.02 worth: Copper pipe that has water inside is nearly impossible to solder. The water becomes steam when you heat it, and the steam escapes through the joint you're trying to solder, keeping the metal from reaching soldering temperature, and pushing the partially melted solder out of the fitting. One of the best ways to overcome that if the pipe can't be completely dried inside is to leave an open fitting nearby, such as by using a screwed adapter for the last fitting to make. With 1/2-inch copper pipe, it's possible to solder if you can dry out about 10 inches of pipe away from the fitting to be soldered. The bigger the pipe size, the further away from moisture your soldering operation needs to be. In the first example here--if it's 3/4 or 1/2-inch pipe--it's better to cut the section out and use new fittings--with couplings--to make the repair, because it's so hard to get the inside of an already-soldered fitting clean enough. There are good tips and correct techniques in this video, but don't ignore the part that says soldering is a skill that takes practice. If you've never soldered copper pipe before, a repair that a pro could do in 10 minutes will be an hour or more of frustration for you.

[@OnerousEthic]

How about stuffing bread up the pipe to stop dripping water? I think glutinous is best. I’m going to try a bagel. Plain, without cream cheese, onions, tomatoes, or smoked Salmon. The pressure will blow it to the first open tap and the water will dissolve it.

[@OnerousEthic]

@Aww BS. Perhaps true for many, I will concede that the skill is not easy to learn, and that caution is advised, but the categorical abstinence is a bridge too far. I just repaired a faulty “professional” installation that failed prematurely. But it took me 5 days, and was very stressful. Your advice is good for most, but not all.

[@diyjohn9584]

@@OnerousEthic can not use bread in a closed system. I flare and install flare joints for those.

[@andyxox4168]

@@diyjohn9584 … sure you can, if your really worried about bread residue you can flush and refill the system once the work is completed (that’s good practice anyway to remove flus residues etc.)

[@satman1w]

Videos like this are rare! Not videos about soldering, but usefull videos! Excelent job!

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much Pero!

[@gabz91110]

I wish there was a channel like this for every trade. It would be the perfect maintenance manual for everything. How to fix you car, your plumbing, your electrical, your windows, your roof, your floor, High quality content that covers all the potential errors and their repercussions. What you are doing is amazing. Thank you for all the great work.

[@Got2Learn]

That would be sick, let's hope others hop onboard!!!

[@TheSignatureK]

ChrisFix is a decent channel for car maintenance.

[@gabz91110]

@@TheSignatureK thanks!

[@ronb6182]

Good video, my dad always wiped the excess solder from each joint you would never find a drip of solder on any of his joints. If one ever leaked he fixed it on the spot. The only time one would leak is in tight quarters. People don't take pride in their work. my dad was not a plumber, he was a refrigeration maintenance man. He also knew electrical.

[@henryaxe1]

I am doing house renovations in Southern France. I watch these videos regularly. This one is just perfect. Presentation etc, just the best. Thanks a lot.

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you sooooooo much, share if you can, and good luck with those renos!!!

[@Improveng1]

I served my time as a maintenance engineer at a company in England that produced heat exchangers. There was a lot of soldering and brazing involved in the production of heat exchangers and there was a saying prevalent amongst my peers, and that was that, in both of these processes, "Cleanliness is Godliness". You can be too dirty, but you can't be too clean. This is always number one in my book but doesn't undermine your excellent advice.

[@keithwalker5078]

my dad was a plumber but always did the work and never taught me anything beyond holding a light. LOL just like he did when working on cars. But I am GREAT at holding a light but now have the confidence to try some simple plumbing repairs.

[@kevinjones9586]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! Easy to follow, thorough explanation covering all the principles involved, by someone who really knows what they are talking about. Giving many important details, but just the right amount to enlighten without being boring. Thanks for doing this.

[@Got2Learn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JLitt-us4vs]

I’m a plumber and I still love these videos 👍👍

[@shawnrichards5016]

I thank you for boosting my confidence! I was a little hesitant about fixing a major plumbing repair after our current freeze. I took the time to watch 3 of your videos and it all made perfect sense! I am glad to report no more leaks!

[@Got2Learn]

😉😉😉

[@TerryWheelyabarrabackApiary]

Thank you thank you. i fixed an old copper pipe that haunted me for years. and finally now fixed it after watching your vid. it was in a tight no room spot. Your hint on using vice grips to separate clean sand and resolder using wet rags and I used tin foil as backing to stop fires. Really worked! It's great that people like you help people like me.🙂 Good Karma to you.✌

[@jeannine4251]

Take a tin can, cut both ends off, cut down the side and flatten it out. Tap holes in each corner with a nail, and use wire to hang it behind your soldering area. Reusable.

[@BionicRusty]

This is the best I’ve seen, in every way. - Instructions - Graphics to illustrate (amazing) - And lastly how conscientious you are. Keep up the great work sir. We DIY’ers salute you. 👏👏👍👍 Subscribed ✅

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome comment, thank you so much and I hope it goes around the world :)

[@BionicRusty]

Got2Learn I’m sure it will. So many cling on to tips and hacks but it’s a breath of fresh air to follow someone like you who so genuinely and generously wants to help. 👏👍

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you once again buddy ;)

[@jasonreynolds5155]

This video provided exactly the direction I needed to fix a leaking outdoor shut-off for my garden hose faucet. I had to heat up and remove the old one then prep the copper pipes on either side and install a new one. The best part about this video and the others I’ve begun watching is not only are we being shown how to do something, there is also en explanation as to why it’s done that way as well. I like being able to do things like this on my own, but being able to do them properly and to code is monumental. Huge thank you for sharing these videos!

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome comment, thank you so much Jason, good luck with your future repairs!

[@nmartin5551]

Thanks for a great video! It has been decades since my dad taught me how to sweat pipe. He’s no longer around for questions, and I have forgotten almost as much as I had learned back then!

[@sunkat76]

Thank you from England. Very clear video of 'how to' and thank you for giving the reasons why you don't do certain things and for demonstrating the consequences. It is all a useful learning curve.

[@Got2Learn]

You are very welcome!!

[@seanns1945]

Great common sense is the best teacher. This video is very well presented and understandable. Thanks for the information.

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much Seann!!!

[@rezonite]

Wow @Got2Learn @1:45 you literally just taught me something that no other soldiering video ever did. And now I realize why im having so much trouble soldering. THANKS!

[@Got2Learn]

You are most welcome!!!!!

[@aa07011]

You covered everything on how to fix this leak in short and interesting time, thank you!!!! I love how you explain things and the consequences of not following directions.

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much Dean!!!

[@204kemist]

Love the way you explained 🙏🏿… Always watch plumbers doing this and think it’s hard but now I get it.

[@Got2Learn]

🤜🤛

[@brianthompson5672]

While I don't think I'll ever do this myself, I can appreciate a well made informational video. I watched it all just because it was so interesting :)

[@Got2Learn]

🙏🙏🙏

[@kenademco]

The technique at 6:00 in was super helpful! I first tried the lazy way and heated the (elbow in this case) and just added more solder. Bzzzzzttt ...nope. In fact the pinhole got worse. What I did do, a bit different than you, is heat up the joint, then gently tap the vice grips until the connection is MOSTLY out but still hnaging on at the edge. I sandpapered the pipe, bought the proper flux (I had tinning flux) and just put flux on the pipe, heated the elbow joint, tapped the vice grips gently until the parts were fully conneted the added solder. This seemed to work for me, going to inspect all connections for leaks in 24hrs but so far looks solid. GREAT video!

[@Got2Learn]

Your way is even better than mine, good job 😄

[@reddbarnesful]

I retired my torch, after Ridged came out with the ProPress. Haven’t had a leak in years. But you method an theory is true. Never, reheat to fill a void. Master Plumber for 20yrs.

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome, thanks ;)

[@haraldpost]

No empty talk. Straight to the point. Great shots. Keep up the great work man!

[@Got2Learn]

🤗🤗🤗

[@ronnak8427]

You really know your stuff. I have looked at many videos on this as I had the same problem recently, and man you explained it the best and the reason for doing it. I was frustrated, as I always screw up when I have to solder vertical bottom part. I thank you, I followed your explanation and it worked out great. Keep up the good work.

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome man, mission accomplished for both of us, don't forget to share if you can, it really helps out, have a great day Ron!

[@unwokesnake]

I just refitted an old pipe and soldered everything on my own (5 fittings and 2,5 mtrs of copper). That worked quite well (even when I needed to start all over again bcs I screwed up the correct length..) because of your excellent tutorials - thanks. That was the second time I ever soldered but even for the first time, your videos already helped me out. (the first project is 2 years old without a leak).

[@Got2Learn]

@@unwokesnake 😇😇😇

[@j.morrison73]

I know I've viewed a few of his videos as I recognize his voice. Always learn or reminded of things every time. He makes youtube the success it is.

[@Got2Learn]

So very nice of you :) thank you so much!

[@gadooooo1]

His next video will be on open heart surgery and after that on Spelunking on Mars. The guy can do everything and does everything as long as they’re in stock footage for him to overdub

[@j.morrison73]

@@gadooooo1 I guess you're thanking him for doing the research for us and putting it in layman's terminology ? Then I should be thank him for that as well. Just about every video I watch of his, I am reminded of lost knowledge and some new tips I've yet seen. As the 'dubbing' Martha would say, "That's a good thing".

[@vaxjoaberg]

Thank you! I was getting frustrated with my solder joints leaking (trying to add a "T" to an existing cold water line). I kept re-fluxing and re-soldering (the wrong way) and it wasn't getting any better. Then I watched your video. I spent a few minutes removing the T (using your vise grips/hammer technique), sanded the insides and outsides as well as I could, re-fluxed, refitted, and re-heated. It took the solder perfectly the first time and I haven't yet seen a leak. I didn't know that about "not overheating the joint". I think that's probably what caused my original failures. When I disassembled the joint I noticed that there was bare copper inside the T where there should have been solder. I suspect the flux boiled away, as you cautioned against. There's definitely something to be said for doing it the right way the first time.

[@Got2Learn]

🤘🤘🤘

[@admannn]

Thank you so much for your videos. I did my first ever pinhole repair based on two of your videos. Desoldering and this one. I thought I would have to replace the entire t-joint but your desolder video made this fix so much easier. I purchased all the items you recommended including the fire protector. Which, upon inspection, whomever did the previous work in that space did not use one as I could see burned wood. Anyhow, your videos are great. Thank you again.

[@Got2Learn]

Yo uare most welcome Adam, glad to hear that it worked out for you buddy, have a good one!

[@LukeMcHugh-l1i]

Thanks a lot for your videos my friend. I watched your unsolder to remove redundant water line and I installed a new one and of course soldered. It was my first time and I’ve ran the line for days now and absolutely no leak thankfully. I followed your unsolder and solder copper pipe videos and it was a success! Thank you very much!

[@bouncycastle955]

Interesting, I usually go for the 'put a piece of tape on it and run away' technique. Might have to add this one to my arsenal.

[@Got2Learn]

🤣

[@KQwest98]

Window licker

[@jjsudlow]

Thanks. The tip about wrapping adjacent joints with a wet rag is something I wish I had known a number of years ago. It would have saved me a couple of trips from my isolated cottage to the closest hardware store.

[@Got2Learn]

Glad to help!

[@fortknoxguy]

Excellent video! I'm a beginner and had a couple of leaking joints. Did what you said and it wasn't too bad to fix. No leaks now. 😊

[@Got2Learn]

Great to hear!

[@worldview730]

Thanks very much. My mistake has been applying too much heat & flux to both ends of the pipe & then putting more flux after after running the solder into the pipe. I think your video has corrected these mistakes for me .

[@Got2Learn]

@@worldview730 😇🔥

[@stevesvids]

Loving the statement " I guarantee that if you've done it right it wont leak " made me chuckle. 👍

[@Got2Learn]

;)

[@kevinhofer4922]

Nothing in this world is guaranteed cept death n taxes. Sure as hell not having plumbing leaks. I’ve been doing it for 18 years n still get a leak now n then. Rare but it happens. I have coworkers with 20-30 years experience and same results

[@dq7143]

Your details show you are an experienced plumber. Great job!!!

[@Got2Learn]

I appreciate that, thank you very much!

[@thomasfidow3996]

I’m a 5th year apprentice and currently in plumbing school/ programs. Master plumbers and teachers who have done studies about soldering taught us to always run the torch or the heat all around the pipe while soldering not just heating the bottom and expect to have a strong joint. We actually cut the pipe and see the inside. I haven’t had any leaks by doing it the way we were taught.

[@Got2Learn]

For small pipes up to 3/4", you can stay in the same spot or in the vicinity of, it won't matter.

[@wholeNwon]

That's interesting to think about. Best to be consistent in developing the art of soldering. But, in relatively small pipes, if you apply heat to one general area of a fitting, when the opposite side is JUST hot enough that the solder flows freely, the whole fitting MUST be hot enough to allow the joint to fill completely with solder.

[@dmitripogosian5084]

And then in tight places you can't always get around the pipe with the torch.

[@dmitripogosian5084]

@@wholeNwon With small pipes it always helps to use torch with wide enough flame, not just those pencil beam ones

[@wholeNwon]

@@dmitripogosian5084 Hard to argue with that.

[@apeusmaximus]

Great vid. I’m blown away by the fact that some pipes in some countries are copper

[@davidaponte9451]

The best way is clean off all the flux of the pipe and the fitting doing it you will have no problem at all .

[@goobermcgylish5666]

Maybe the best instructional video I’ve ever watched!

[@Got2Learn]

Wow i'm so honored, thank you so much!!!

[@OldRaver]

SO good of you to post these clips. Brilliant. Really building my confidence to do the pipework at my father’s on Monday! My Plumber let us down 😱 The kitchen fitter is coming on Tuesday for 5 days, so I am now going to have to: - move the mains stopcock 2ft to the right - move external tap pipe 3 ft to left (installing compression valve) - extend cold water pipe feed to boiler - extend pipe 3 ft to right, install compression valve near mains stopcock - move taps over 2 feet (install compression joints with hot/cold taps) - install compression joints to the washing machine Slightly over optimistic for a first attempt, but hey ho.🤞🏼

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome, I am so glad I can help you out, and I hope everything goes well for you and your father!

[@pauljarrell8162]

Thank you so much for this. also I thought it was extremely cool that you went to the trouble to actually cut this joint in half so that everyone can see what’s happening on the inside. This is such a great video.

[@themightypen1530]

We had to replace a leaky pipe, not because of unsoldering but because when they built the house or installed the pipes they left it pressed up against a pine board. Pine is slightly acidic (slightly more than slightly actually) and over the years it ate it's way through the copper pipe. So if you are fixing your pipes or installing new ones make sure they aren't touching the wood anywhere, particularly if it's pine.

[@Fun4GA]

This is the best description I've ever heard. Thank you!

[@Got2Learn]

You're so welcome!!!

[@larryzdanis5377]

Recommend using dry rag (not wet) to remove the molten solder... as soon as a wet rag hits it the solder hardens (not the objective).. wear golved to avoid burns. great video

[@Got2Learn]

Great point!!!

[@jimguidetti2814]

Great information. I was just about ready to do what you said not to do and I decided to watch your video first. You saved me more headaches. What I really liked is that you not only told me what not to do and what to do but you also showed why. When I un-soldered my leaking joint, I discovered that there was an un-soldered path from the front to the back of the joint that probably wouldn't have been fixed by adding solder at the joint. Thanks again.

[@Got2Learn]

Nice to hear, yeah, I don't see the point in saying something and not explaining it, glad to hear that you appreciated that ;)

[@ironeagle1281]

First, I wanted to thank you for this and your other videos. Your well explained techniques have helped myself and I am sure many other weekend warriors become better at plumbing by improving skills with your pro tips and techniques. I thought I was pretty good (always got the job done), but now I am much better. I am currently working on an older 3 story Victorian home with mostly copper pipe (changed) and a few runs of the old iron which I can't easily access. It would be great if you could do some videos on older homes and working with old stuff with some tips on replacing inaccessible pipes (possibly with pex ?)and also dealing with old shut off valves. I have not had any luck trying to disassemble most of the older screw valves when the washers let go when you are trying to fix something simple and now it turns into a much bigger project.

[@Got2Learn]

Those are all very good ideas, I will start working on those, thank you so much and have fun with your future projects buddy :)

[@Eastbaypisces]

@@Got2Learn do a video on no slip couplings

[@Got2Learn]

@@Eastbaypisces I have: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5PZooamYslrY5I&ab_channel=Got2Learn

[@Eastbaypisces]

@@Got2Learn yea my bad i forgot

[@chumbawunga1]

Thanks so much for the video. I’ve been cooling down the solder joints straight away oops also probably putting in too much solder as an insurance gambit. Luckily all my joints have been leak free except yesterdays oops again. Very grateful again showing me the correct way to unsolder and make good the repair….

[@WebMedics]

Excellent video, thank you for being so detailed and specific. As a doctor, I know how paying attention to the details saves lives, and in your case, you save people time, which leads to saving lives. Thank you Sir.

[@Got2Learn]

Yes, thank you very much!

[@diesalweasel]

And thank you for your service webmedics

[@leapinglizard3021]

Very helpful video. I am renovating my master bathroom and one seam leaked, perhaps from shifting the pipe to fit other fittings and lengths, and broke the seam. TIP! Use a wet/dry shop vac to evacuate residual water in the pipe. Put the vacuum hose end over the pipe opening, squeeze your fist around the end of the hose over the copper to create an air tight seal and vacuum as needed. Be sure to open a nearby valve to allow air to travel with the water. Dry the pipe with a torch for best results.

[@Got2Learn]

An absolute must, here's a video I made on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/on-4cotsoq-HoqM

[@robemenecker4690]

This video clearly explains some of the pitfalls that I probably would not have avoided had I just gone forward without educating myself first. Thank you for clearly explaining everything during the demonstration!

[@ericshook3427]

This is the most in-depth awesome soldering repair video!! Awesome Job. Thanks.

[@Got2Learn]

Wow, thanks!

[@adamdemirs3466]

The way I have found to be successful with copper pipe soldering is to make sure there is no moisture in or on the outside of the pipe. Keep the joint clean and use a liberal amount of flux on every surface to be soldered. If those three things are done your solder joint will adhere no matter how ugly you solder. Remembering that the solder itself chases the heat so i apply on the separate side that I am applying the torch so it will travel throughout the joint.

[@sog4646]

If you are soldering a shutoff valve on a line with any moisture in it, make sure the valve is open. Steam in a pipe will bounce a closed valve off a ceiling. 😁

[@jkozelek6]

You can do it with water running out through the hole. You just have to add the solder or you may use a welder and just tack bunch above the area that needs to be repaired. You also will need a grinder so you may grind the "weld" downwards over the leaky area. Obviously if you have a large enough hole you won't be able to do it with running water. Hope you learned something today. Err, hope it helps someone in the future.

[@90Beater]

I am now more knowledgeable as a DIY home fixer for watching this. Thank you for the video. I have been doing it wrong for part of it and now know the correct way to fix my next leak. Wrapping the other connections to a three way joint is something I never considered.

[@jack78654087]

Is it just me that finds it really satisfying to watch the solder run around the joint?

[@Got2Learn]

No, it's a thing ;)

[@peternotarfrancesco2614]

It helps to clean the outside of the fitting and leaving a small bead as a structural reinforcement. Do not jostle that leads to a”cold solder joint”. Let it naturally cool as per the video.

[@atkinbrown2147]

Effortlessly explained. Attention to detail is awesome.

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you kindly!

[@maximerousselle5984]

I completely agree with the problem of leaving some water in the tube. it first prevents the correct temperature to be obtained. And then, when you are doing the soldiering, the low part keeps cold because the energy you bring is mainly used to evaporate the water. Especially true if the water is constantly renewed because you warm the below tube where it stays !!

[@Beech1900pilot]

Thanks for your videos. You taught me how to solder copper before. And today you taught me to unsolder copper. Thanks for the work you do!

[@Got2Learn]

Rock on!

[@WmTyndale]

Beautifully articulated. Valuable "crash course" in sweating copper!

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome, I love hearing that ;)

[@djfunkychicken]

As a refrigeration and air conditioning lecturer we made sure every student was more than competent in soldering. The system pressure can be up to 400psi (2800kpa) when operating so welded joints must be absolutely spot on. The #1 rule is managing the amount heat to ensure it has filled the total joint. It is the silver content that gives it the strength. By watching the colour changes you can tell when to add the solder or when to back off the heat. Welding a capillary tube (0.5mm) into the side of a large copper pipe is a great exercise in learning heat control. Mapp gas and oxy/acetylene are very different in temperatures so getting the right amount of heat is paramount.

[@dakotahuff2276]

That's called brazing dude. It's not the same.

[@djfunkychicken]

@@dakotahuff2276 yeah you're right and I know there's a slight difference between them. Could never understand why solder when brazing is so much stronger.. and the process being 95% the same

[@reddragonflyxx657]

​@@djfunkychickenDon't you have to purge with nitrogen to prevent the copper from oxidizing when brazing? Also I just soldered some valves with plastic components which would likely melt if exposed to brazing temperatures. With plumbing you probably don't even need the strength of a soldered joint (stuff like Shark Bite is popular now, because it's faster).

[@1glopz]

U know that the plumbers are going to hate/love you because many viewers will try to half ass what you are so professionally teaching here Thanks a millon excellent tool

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much :)

[@davefoc]

Non professional here that has done a fair bit of pipe soldering. I liked this video. I learned several things even though I've done this many times.

[@Got2Learn]

🙏🙏🙏

[@jadesystem]

Your videos are highly informative, very technical, and has helped many DIYers like myself who need this vital information to repair and resolve these issues ourselves. Your instructions are clear, with great advise and technical "know how" to do it right. Your cutaway view makes your explanation invaluable that substantiates the do's and don'ts. You are the best at what you do, as I'm a fan for life. Keep-up the great work MF (my friend) !!

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you very much!

[@Eastbaypisces]

@@Got2Learn i gotta cut the pipe to drain water out, no other way grrr..

[@davidg5629]

I had an entry stack in 1.5 " , shutoff, pressure reg and lateral line in 1.25" that was leaking after I changed out the regulator. There was a tiny leak in the big line. I had the clients water off all day, and they were coming home soon. By the time I walked back from my truck, it had stopped. The gods intervened. I said thank you to the heavens and started cleaning up. Going back on Monday for other work. Curious about what I'll find. It's outside and around back, so , I'll be able to sleep. I usually obsess over errors, but this time I accepted other worldly help. Thank for your videos. I've been in the trades for decades, but you've taught me a couple of things.

[@فریدقادری-ج3ز]

David G

[@davidg5629]

I learned a lesson, though. From now on I'm going to tin larger tubes and fittings before joining them.

[@davidg5629]

I was really busy for a couple of years but available, Suzanne

[@antekb1979]

I am not in industry and probably won't ever be, but your learning is great.

[@jeffpurtell5676]

Your videos and graphics are really good at illustrating what you are talking about. And you are very thorough about giving all the required information. Great video, thanks for posting.

[@Got2Learn]

Thanks a million Jeff, have a great evening 🙏🙏🙏

[@jeffpurtell5676]

@@Got2Learn I forgot to mention, I had just come in from using some of you information. I'll finish the job tomorrow. The last time I did any of this was 20 years ago. I did pretty well. But I could have done better after seeing your vids lol Thanks again.

[@Got2Learn]

@@jeffpurtell5676 🙏🙏🙏

[@lennoxmakoajones]

Very helpful for upcoming professionals. Enjoyed watching the video! One thing I do is use a dry rag when whipping the hot Soldier of the pipe makes it smooth and clean to get right back into the fitting

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much, yeah wiping seems to be a preference thing, I just choose not to do it, have a great day :)

[@km0e69]

Does the soldier ever complain about getting that hot?

[@ItsMe-wf6kz]

Don't wipe the joint too soon after soldering, if the solder hasn't set fully you can crack the joint causing it to leak.

[@itjohnsonuk]

Brilliant video the detail of why you need to what happens if you don't. I was going to give up trying to remove an elbow joint that had been fine for almost 20 years but started weeping because the pipes have to be unclipped to remove a decorative fitting my wife added so over the years this movement must have caused a crack in the joint. It's funny I tried the first bodge-it method of flux and solder to patch it, like you said it doesn't work. It's only when I used the lockable wrench with a hammer that I succeeded. After that I did precisely what you said - it worked first time!

[@Got2Learn]

🤘🤘🤘

[@rayc1503]

Leaks happen bro, not often but once in a while. When you've completed 100's of joints it hard to gauge that odd one. Sometimes you forget to tighten that odd compression joint. I only really dry test gas lines. There's no second chances when safety is critical. Any plumber who tells you they haven't had a leak is a liar 😜. Keep up the excellent work bruh 👌

[@Got2Learn]

I agree with everything you said ghost, if you don't want any leaks, don't go to work, cuz it WILL happen one day or another.

[@rayc1503]

@@Got2Learn Tru dat bro, desoldered joints which a reformed are usually actually stronger. As the joint has been coated with solder (tinning). Your videos are looking super pro bro. Really super with the editing & CGI, bravo 👌.

[@Got2Learn]

Thanks so much ghost! Yeah I want to do this type of editing in every video from now on, I am getting a lot of positive feedback from that, so it can only get better from now and on, :)

[@theondebray]

Ha! And always, the joint that leaks is one of the first you did, right at the back of the cupboard behind all the other pipes you've just put in! Quote from my plumbing tutor many years ago: "ALWAYS check your joints, they're like pretty women, turn your back & they are trouble.!"

[@rayc1503]

@@theondebray leaks happen especially when you have apprentices on hand. We've all been there, it was us creating devastation back at the beginning. Heck, sometimes you just have one of those days when you've done an install. By the end of it you just want to get the hell out and hey presto Mr leak shows up 🤷‍♂️

[@wholeNwon]

I once "repaired " a very visible leaking joint by turning off the water supply so that the exterior of the pipe could be completely dried. I roughened the area and applied "liquid steel", an old product very much like JB Weld. Let it harden and turned on the water. There was no leaking. This was a lot easier for me at the time than an orthodox repair. I knew it wouldn't "last". But, exactly 60 YEARS later, it was still bone dry. More recently I had a pipe leak that was also visible but where draining and drying would be very difficult so I tried a silicone tape wrap. That's still holding up now at 4 years. For the time being, I saved myself a LOT of work.

[@JoseDuarte-or1cc]

Great vid, I just have one suggestion. The prep of the pipe has a lot to do with improper joining. What I'm referring to is when you sand the pipe, a lot of people make the mistake of going around in a circle. But if you go parallel with the pipe and create straight lines, the solder has a easier path to flow versus going over the miniscule ridges or "whoops" like I call them. Kinda like a dirt bike at a race track. Good luck

[@Got2Learn]

🙏🙏🙏

[@nasriazar3402]

Tt

[@Mo0shii]

they never thought me this in HVAC, good tip.

[@packetattack7437]

Shit, that's a great tip!

[@knopebnope45]

Thank you for this! I haven't done a lot of copper, but I've never had a problem before. I did a few joints in a bathroom remodel today, but had one that the solder was 'being weird on' and had a pinhole leak when I turned the water on. It was also my first time using MAP gas and it overheats the joint really quick apparently. I cleaned it all off and followed the steps here and so far so good.

[@Got2Learn]

😉

[@jeremyolson4280]

Very thorough, well organized and great visual aids.

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you Jeremy!

[@johnbaumann5459]

One of the best how-to videos I've seen. Good visuals, clear and concise instructions. No if I can only find another one on the topic I was looking for: if lead free solder can be used on a joint already tinned with leaded solder...

[@Got2Learn]

Glad it was helpful! To answer your question, it's totally fine if both mix together, don't worry ;)

[@johnbaumann5459]

@@Got2Learn Very kind of you to answer. Thanks! :-)

[@Got2Learn]

My pleasure ;)

[@frankbrown6305]

On large jobs I always test with air pressure. Makes any leak easy to fix. Great videos.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Seems like a good idea, it might allow reflow of the joint without the water needing to be cleared out and the joint fully disassembled to redo it, as it would be just a continuation. Just would have to find a way to pressurize it though.

[@cliftonjarvis8010]

When I started in the plumbing trade in 1976 I was a apprentice,one of the plumbers would say all you need to know is torch stricker solder paste sand paper, just go get it don’t you use it,after 38 years in the trade i always remembered that.

[@teh60]

You do an awesome job with these videos, very educational. Thumbs up.

[@mattdorsey2244]

One of the very best 'how to' videos I have ever watched. Excellent work!

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much Matt, really appreciate it, don't forget to share if you can :))))

[@spymasterjr7185]

your channel is a must for all plumbers and DIY guys/girls. Keep up the good work

[@Got2Learn]

Awesome, thank you so much Spy, really appreciate all your comments ;)

[@jamesbryan7890]

Don’t know why you took the time to make this Video , But Thank You ! I already knew this , but it never hurts to get a 2nd Opinion ! Total Thumbs Up got2Learn !

[@Got2Learn]

🤗🤗🤗

[@5086nashua]

Clean pipe and fitting- most important part- don’t touch,oils on fingers will contaminate Apply heat bottom of fitting Wipe off excess flux Apply solder at pasty range opposite heat Solder will flow around fitting Remove heat and apply solder around Wipe with rag Done

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Steve Flynn , clean is the key!

[@fredgrenz8468]

I'm in with Flynn!! Do it right the first time. Fixing a leak is 10x's more difficult and more time consuming than your first go.😎

[@km0e69]

Close

[@keithtanner2806]

I am not a professional plumber but the first major plumbing job I did was to fit a full c/h system with 21 rads in my own 3 storey house. All went well except that when I filled and pressurised the system I had a single small leak at a T joint in the cellar with one leg of the T into a brick wall. Almost the worst possible spot on the entire system. Pulling the pipes apart was not an option in a confined space so, knowing it was not recommended but having no real option other than drain down and dismantle I decided that as I had little to lose I would try to solder it in situ. I am talking 50+ years ago by the way. My torch was a Camping Gaz, butane I think. I heated the joint slowly, I did hear some steamy sounds, applied some aggressive flux, as it was known then, turned up the heat and applied solder. It worked! For the next 30yrs until I moved house I checked the joint periodically, it never leaked. I know I was fortunate but it was well worth the try. I never had a solder joint leak thereafter!

[@eggmanfryer]

I would go ahead and put a very thin layer of flux inside the fitting. You can apply the flux with one brush and use a clean flux brush to wipe out the excess flux before pushing the pipe inside the fitting. The small amount of flux that gets into the pipe is not near as bad as not getting flux on the inside of the fitting. You can (and should) flush out the pipes after a repair anyway. It is also way easier and faster to just heat the pipe up and wipe off the old solder with a clean dry rag instead of attempting to sand off the old solder which will remove the solder "tint" in more than one place in most cases. That thin layer of tint could be the difference between a successful repair or another failed solder joint .

[@waytospergtherebro]

Tin. Not tint.

[@tomhylas4505]

An excellent tutorial on fixing a joint. I was going to just reheat the joint and add more solder. I used your instruction and removed the leaky fitting only to discover it was a cold joint with some bare copper still showing on the joint. I removed fitting and re-sanded the copper and re-sweated joint and now all is well Thanks!

[@Got2Learn]

Awesomeness!!!!

[@someguy4351]

as a journeyman plumber I approve this channel

[@Got2Learn]

Lovely, thanks so much buddy!

[@stockandgamblinglife]

A little waxing with some flex seal. Dab of silicone aced out

[@mikelabor7688]

I have been plumbing since '84 (or so). Excellent post. Your basics of fittings being "mechanically clean", and properly fluxxed, are spot on. Strangely, the necessity of clearing the line of standing water, is the most "frequently forgotten. Good coverage! I ordinarily open the discharge side of the meter, in order to drain down outdoors.

[@For891]

For horizontal pipes with residual water in them, I stuff a little piece of bread in the pipe before I soldier it. Works every time.

[@WorldTravelerCA]

I haven’t been working in a trade for almost 14 years due to my injury and watching videos like these gives me nostalgia.🥺 I’ve probable done millions of soldering joints if not more and for sure I had some hiccups in the beginning 🤣

[@andrzejhajder6405]

What you mean learning soldering takes years? Today union plumbers - yong ones- are watching KZbin videos and learn in one day.

[@Metaman9000]

Years to perfect is different from years to learn

[@markwhite5344]

@@Metaman9000yup, its definitely a start tho

[@roadrunner694]

That's why I used propress because i didn't have time to learn and it needed to be done right away,twenty five years ago and holding. ​@@Metaman9000

[@fartgod6983]

Yeah I learned it in like two hours. Took practice time in the shop.

[@Jorgeperez-gm1rz]

In one day is not true, but they can learn faster than the old plumber yes, but still they need to know tricks to soldering better, for example this guy is showing the easiest, nothing complicated, for beginners it’s ok,

[@mariahsullinger3332]

This video legit saved me & my husband! We had 1 tiny pin hole on the cold pipe joint on the shower rough in valve.. we followed these exact steps & it worked like a charm! Thank you!!

[@Got2Learn]

Glad it helped, awesome works guys!!!!!!!!!! :)