Soldering to very old copper pipe

[john Still]

i am currently altering the incoming water feed which looks like it is 15mm copper pipe, however I suspect it was put in when the house was built in the 60's

Now I have not chopped the pipe but have cleaned it ready where I intend to cut it. However it does not look quite as shiney as other pipes I have cleaned up that are not as old.

Are there likely to be any issues putting a solder fitting on this pipe after I have cut it, due to its's age ?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

As long as it's clean and free of dust you should be fine give it a once over with one wire wool

Make sure there's no water in the pipe as that can lead to some problems

 

[john Still]

Thanks, I have been using carbide abrasive strip, as I have found it cleaned it up quicker. is wire wool better ?

Will of course be removing the water in it before attempting to solder it.

 

[Harvest Fields]

As long as it's clean and free of dust you should be fine give it a once over with one wire wool

Make sure there's no water in the pipe as that can lead to some problems

Agree with above mate. Your as bad as me Shaun. Do you not sleep?

 

[Best]

I use emery cloth to clean the pipe thoroughly first, then a final clean with steel wool. The 50 years of tarnish really doesn't clean off well solely with steel wool, especially if using fine grade steel wool like I do.

 

[gmartine]

I find those abrasive mesh plumbing strips a complete god send especially when removing layers of paint or detritus from the outside of pipe...they're fast,waterproof, don't clog and therefore last for ages.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Thanks, I have been using carbide abrasive strip, as I have found it cleaned it up quicker. is wire wool better ?

Will of course be removing the water in it before attempting to solder it.

That's perfect normally give it a once over with steel wool just to fine out any deep scratches

 

[Last Plumber]

You will possibly find it’s 1/2” not 15mm. It’s near as damn it same size but might be a tad tight.

 

[Ric2013]

You can get transition couplings from 1/2" to 15mm, but I know not many people actually use or stock them.

 

[Harvest Fields]

You can get transition couplings from 1/2" to 15mm, but I know not many people actually use or stock them.

Part centre do them but end feed only

 

[justlead1]

If concerned regards clean copper. Clean as best you can, flux the area and heat to tin the pipe, while still molten a quick wipe with a rag. It should now look tinned all around flux again and fit coupling and heat.
Good Luck