Can you solder pipe thread?

Coat threads with pipe dope to keep them free of solder. Just a tiny dab of solder on the threads of a fitting can make a fitting nearly impossible to tighten. It’s best to solder a threaded fitting to a pipe before you connect the other end of the pipe.

Can pipe be soldered?

Types of Solder Buy lead-free solder that’s designed for copper water pipes; you’ll find it in the plumbing section of the store. Solder with lead is still available, but the lead can leach into your water supply, so don’t use it.

Why do plumbers use solder?

Ham Lake, MN Plumbing Repair: Why Do Plumbers Use Solder? While there are other sealing methods available, plumbers often sweat the joints of copper water lines to provide a good seal so that water doesn’t leak out. The flow of water over the joints can disperse the corrosion and slow it down.

Can you solder copper to brass pipe?

As an alloy of copper and zinc, brass is compatible with copper, and manufacturers produce many common plumbing fittings with the material. Solder adheres as well to brass as it does to copper, so the fittings are usually molded with slip joints so you can solder them to the pipes.

Can I solder copper pipe with a soldering iron?

You don’t. Soldering irons and guns are better suited to electrical soldering (or stained glass). A soldering gun (even high wattage units) isn’t going to give you enough heat, and even if it could it’s not going to heat the pipes uniformly.

Can I use a soldering iron for plumbing?

Electrical solders have a lower melting point (around 360˚F), while solders used in plumbing have higher melting points, usually well over 400˚F. This is why electrical soldering can be done using a soldering iron while most plumbing soldering uses a gas torch to heat up the metals.

Why is solder used to join pipes rather than lead?

In the United States, since 1974, lead is prohibited in solder and flux in plumbing applications for drinking water use, per the Safe Drinking Water Act. Historically, a higher proportion of lead was used, commonly 50/50. This had the advantage of making the alloy solidify more slowly.