
Copper DWV: Commonly used in older homes for vents and drains.Type M: Has the thinnest wall and is the most popular choice for domestic plumbing systems due to its light weight, decreased rigidity and affordability.Typically used for interior hot and cold-water distribution. Type L: Wall thickness falls between Type K and M.It is commonly used for commercial plumbing, such as underground water mains for potable water supply and HVAC lines. Type K: Has the thickest wall and strongest durability.
#95 tin 5 antimony solder code#
Important variables, such as ambient temperature, local code guidelines and any jobsite time limitations, should all be considered prior to purchasing your soldering supplies.īelow, we’ve included some brief guidelines to keep in mind for your next soldering project. In addition to choosing the proper type of solder for your application, you will need to select the right type of copper pipe and flux, a compound that promotes the flow of molten solder between the pipe and fitting through a process known as capillary action.įlux is also formulated to remove any oxidation from pipe and actually etches pipe surface in preparation for the soldering process to be successful. Let’s explore some of the most common mistakes professionals make during the soldering process.
#95 tin 5 antimony solder how to#
Learning how to solder copper pipe can seem daunting at first, but by applying proper techniques and avoiding typical errors, it becomes much easier to execute a leak-free pipe joint. The melting point of solder is lower than copper, and when heated, solder melts and fuses the piping together once completely cooled. Solders that are safe to use on potable water systems contain a percentage of tin and a combination of other non-toxic metals. Today, due to the Safe Water Drinking Act and lead-free restrictions, solders that contain more than 0.2% lead are not permitted for use in potable water systems. Solder is a metal or metallic alloy that historically consisted of lead (known as lead-based solder) and tin in various proportions. The process of joining copper pipe and fitting is called soldering (or sweating), which is a critical step in the copper installation process.

The naturally occurring metal element is also preferred for various application types due to its high conductivity of electricity and heat, corrosion/fire resistance and durability. Copper is the metal of choice for potable water systems for a variety of reasons – the most important being that it is non-toxic and safe for drinking. There’s a strong chance you’ve spotted copper pipe somewhere in your home, like around a hot water tank or under a sink. To see MatWeb's complete data sheet for this material ( including material property data, metal compositions, material suppliers, etc), please click the button below.Avoid these five common mistakes for a leak-free joint. This page displays only the text of a material data sheet.
