Test fit everything...then take apart.
Apply a small amount of soldering flux onto pipe ends and inside
of fittings.
Re-fit all pipes and fittings together again.
Use a pair of vice grips or pliers to hold the section being
soldered. Holding the pipe with a tool too close to the piece being
soldered will result in a poor solder joint because the metal tool
will draw heat away from the joint. Keep the tool as far away from
the heated section as possible.
Start heating the pipe one joint at a time. When the pipe is hot
enough, touch the solder to the seam of the joint. The solder should
flow freely and disappear into the joint. If it doesn't, keep
heating until it does.
Wipe the joint with a wet towel to clean and set the joint
properly.
It would be a good idea to practice with
sample pieces before beginning the actual project. A well soldered
joint shouldn't have any voids in the solder line.
Try one joint, then look it over.
- If there are drips and runs inside the fitting, then you
used too much solder.
- If the solder on the outside is lumpy, patchy, not a smooth
and consistant run all the way round the joint, not enough
heat was used.
- If the joints/pipes look scorched
or burnt, then too much flux or heat was applied.
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