Solder fitting with water present?

[Anna Rack]

Was adding another radiator to existing pipework under the floorboards. After draining down, tried fitting a solder tee onto the existing pipework - it all seemed bone dry but leaked afterwards as some water must have been present in the pipe.
Ended up using a compression fitting as it was hidden, but how do the trade get around this?

 

[lewisplumber]

We dont do compression under floor boards. Big grey area. Apparently you can have them in an access able place. So not under carpet etc.

Any how. When you had cut the pipe push the pipe down so that any excess water drains underneath the floorboards stick a teatowel or a wet vac underneath it and suck out any extra water. If you want to solder use mapp gas and this burns at a higher temperature burning any excess water in the pipe work to steam so that you are able to make a solder connection.

 

[Rayner]

I just increase the flame on the blowlamp, drain as much water out onto old towel and if you're with someone else get them to hold the pipe upwards with a pair of grips or something, so the water runs away from the fitting you are soldering. Nothing better than seeing the solder FINALLY run round after numerous failed attempts.

 

[Roger Welton]

Wet vac is a great timesaver in these situations.

 

[Mike Jackson]

I agree, wet vac to suck the water out.

 

[AWheating]

compression fittings are fine if fitted well. Yes end feed is better and if possible should be used but there are loads of heating systems fitted many years ago using compression fittings that have never had a single drip.

as for water in pipe a wet vac is very helpful, but most times a good lung full of air down the pipework can be all that is needed.

 

[Roger Welton]

Just don't suck!

 

[SimonG]

I'd have it cut and compression fitting on before you got the wet vac plugged in. Times money.

 

[GrahamM]

We dont do compression under floor boards. Big grey area. Apparently you can have them in an access able place. So not under carpet etc.

Any how. When you had cut the pipe push the pipe down so that any excess water drains underneath the floorboards stick a teatowel or a wet vac underneath it and suck out any extra water. If you want to solder use mapp gas and this burns at a higher temperature burning any excess water in the pipe work to steam so that you are able to make a solder connection.

Only applies to gas.
Compression on wet pipework is fine if done properly in this situation.

 

[gavinwilson]

or the top off a spray gun to suck the water out if u dont have a wet vac

 

[lewisplumber]

Only applies to gas.
Compression on wet pipework is fine if done properly in this situation.

What is " this situation". We are advising blind90% of the time. I always give the most professional advice possible without seeing the situation in my opinion.

 

[AWheating]

What is " this situation". We are advising blind90% of the time. I always give the most professional advice possible without seeing the situation in my opinion.

"the situation" is stated in the opening post as radiator pipework, you can only answer based on the information given of course.

 

[Guest123]

Just get your mouth over the pipe and BLOW!!!

Wet vac is good too.

 

[lewisplumber]

"the situation" is stated in the opening post as radiator pipework, you can only answer based on the information given of course.

I understand the situation. I am replying to GrahamM's post.

 

[Avatar]

I try and avoid soldering under the floor personally - although a lot of my jobs are fixes rather than installs . . .

Went on a building site recently and did 3 inch iron with hemp ect - what a ridiculous amount of time was spent just on a small area of pipework!

Admittedly it is nigh on indestructible once in (under the floor in most instances!) It took two of us with a chain wrench and a 5 foot stiltson to wind on the 3 inch fittings!!!!!

It is similar with soldering copper in the time and expense to do it (whilst competing with prices!) It seems a shame to hide nice shiny copper pipes under the floor anyway.

I don't understand people who seem determined to hide every pipe they come across - now iron that is ugly and so is JG!

In a fix like this though I would be going for compression . . .

 

[Anna Rack]

Thanks for the replies, some good tips there for the future.
Although as a diy-er I would probably opt straightaway for compression again as I know it will be successful first attempt without any hassle.