Solder ring or End feed and other matters

[JohnDorset]

I am a competent DIYer, and I normally use end feeds in preference to solder rings.

I am currently refurbishing our bathroom and I'm chasing the rad tails into the wall to accomodate a ladder rad (I will sleeve them in damp proof material to allow for expansion movement.

Pipework has been prepared using end feeds (including soldering the chrome tails - good job done slowly removing the chrome from the pipe ends with emery cloth :angry_smile: )

All that is now left is to remove the old tails and attach the new pipework.

The old pipework is 40 years old, but cleaned up OK with wire wool and after draining the system and cutting off the old tails, I intend heating the pipework gently to boil off any residual water which might inhibit the capilliary action of the solder.

There is no way I am going to use compression joints below the floor and the new pipework will connect to the new pipework using a 45degree bend. There is an existing 'T' around two inches from the where the new joint will be made.

Because I have a little concern about too much heat disturbing the nearby 40 year old 'T', I am wondering whether or not you professionals would recommend that in these circumstances I would be better advised to use solder ring fittings, on the basis that the capilliary action is pre-established, for the new connections?

Would you also clean up the nearby old 'T' and offer it a little solder dipped in flux, or just leave it be?

Kindest

John

 

[WaterTight]

use solder ring and add a dab of solder yourself as it runs. also if you're panicky spray some of this on the tee

http://tinyurl.com/c24a9xb

 

[JohnDorset]

Thanks WaterTight,

You not only confirmed my feelings about using solder rings for these particular connections, but the link to the cooling gel was very useful.


Gotta go to Screwfix to get a new solder mat, so I'll pick up some gel at the same time

Many thanks

 

[Paulus]

A wet cloth works for me.

 

[WaterTight]

you use a cloth? bit fancy innit? i just use me socks.

 

[WaterTight]

As long as you test the joints before the floor goes down you'll be fine. If a soldered joint doesn't leak on testing it's very unlikely to leak later.

 

[Paulus]

Then you point out the awful smell to the customer, insist it must be a problem with their drains and earn yourself some extra dosh by putting your shoes and socks back on.

Nice one. :rockon2:

 

[kay-jay]

ever tried sweating off an old soldered joint? it takes a lot of heat for a longer time needed to sweat up a new joint! be very unlikely to disturb old joint a wet rag will allay all doubts anyway

 

[WaterTight]

I managed to do it once. But that was in my training centre and I was probably aiming the flame at the wrong bit while mucking about.

 

[Halesowen1]

I find myself still adding solder if I use Yorkshire fittings (solder ring) anyway, as I had a leak on one years back and just dont trust them.
I would recommend using end feed as they are cheaper and soldering. Get some cap ends on them and test before you cover anything up, this way you are sure its all fine.

 

[tamz]

It makes no difference if you melt the solder in the nearby tee. Just let it cool without disturbing it and it will be fine.

 

[AWheating]

use leaded solder and you dont have to get the fitting as hot when soldering.

 

[Halesowen1]

Forgot about that, aint used that stuff for donkeys years. Last time I did I was like an apprentice again, solder running everywhere.