copper elbow

BD10NER · Oct 22, 2011

hi guys, got a problem and hope it can be sorted, i had to use some pre soldered copper elbos this evening
problem i have is one of the elbows is leaking, will i be able to just heat the joint and apply a bit of solder
or will the elbow need to be removed and started again, i'm not the greatest with a blow torch but it's the only way to get an elbow on the pipe, due to very limited space.

tamz · Oct 22, 2011

If you used a yorkshire fitting it will either be a fluxing problem (as in lack of) or you bumped it before it was cooled. You can't really go wrong with these. Clean, flux, heat, cool.
If you think it may have moved before it cooled properly just heat it again and add a bit more solder.
If that don't work then you need to take it off and start again.

WHPES · Oct 22, 2011

You won't be able to add more solder once the water's been in.

Heat it up and remove it. Wire brush the pipe ends till shiny and do the joint again.

tamz · Oct 23, 2011

If it has been tinned and just moved before set it can be reheated.
Usually it is quicker and better just to pull it off and start again.

BD10NER · Oct 23, 2011

Thanks guys, looks like it might be a case of starting over again, thanks for advise it's much appreciated.

WHPES · Oct 23, 2011

You may need to melt the solder sticking to the pipe ends and wipe off with a rag when molten in order to be able to get a new fitting on.

fuzzy · Oct 23, 2011

BD10NER said:
hi guys, got a problem and hope it can be sorted, i had to use some pre soldered copper elbos this evening
problem i have is one of the elbows is leaking, will i be able to just heat the joint and apply a bit of solder
or will the elbow need to be removed and started again, i'm not the greatest with a blow torch but it's the only way to get an elbow on the pipe, due to very limited space.

you need to get the water out then you can solder in position

fuzzy · Oct 23, 2011

if that doesnt work then youll have to cut or solder it out, may have some grease on it that can be hard to see

Best · Oct 23, 2011

If not sure about it, start again. If a cu fitting is overheated it can leak. Yorkshires can lose their solder when overheated. Heating cu fittings with the powerful torches most use till they are black is pointless. Always back off with heat when solder melts. Just needs a little while u work at it. I like end feed as they are clean copper & they solder, in my opinion, easy & well.

Guest123 · Oct 23, 2011

In areas that will be inaccesible, out of reach or in a void, I always apply a drop of extra solder dipped in flux from the bobbin to soldered fittings just as a precaution.
Never had a soldered fitting leak yet, so I'm surprised that your elbow is leaking. Remove the water, clean it with steel wool, put some Laco flux on it, heat it and apply some solder and it will seal just fine.
To get the water out, open up a compression fitting e.g isolating valve and blow hard through a tap.