Unsoldering a copper fitting

amakarevic · 04-12-2007, 11:35 AM

i am trying to remove one pipe out of a tee and replace it with another. the joint is in the basement, close and above the water heater.

i tried to unsolder it but didn't get
anywhere, the solder was just too stubborn. i think
the problem was that the piping, as it is a heat
conductor, was distributing the heat from the torch so
the spot was never getting very hot - even after i wa
just done heating it for 2-3 min, i could touch it
with my bare hand and not get burnt.

i did drain the entire house, including the water
heater (through the spout it has). then i waited 1-2
hours to make sure that the pipes are free of water.
do you think it would help if i sawed the pipe that
goes into the hole in the tee that i want to unsolder
so the distribution of heat becomes limited ? there
would still have to be the other side that is not cut
off.

PLEASE HELP ...

Mike Swearingen · 04-12-2007, 11:42 AM

You heat the fitting, not the pipe, to solder or "unsolder" copper. The most usual problem with soldering or unsoldering copper is water in the line.
Cut the line, and make certain that it is completely drained.
Good lucK!
Mike

amakarevic · 04-12-2007, 11:48 AM

are you recommending that i first cut the pipe a few inches away from the joint that i am trying to take apart ?

Jeekinz · 04-12-2007, 01:32 PM

Leave enough room to get some pliers in it.

majakdragon · 04-12-2007, 01:45 PM

Your water heater may have backflow preventers built into the inlet and outlet. This would cause water to lay in the pipes. As Mike said, cut the line a couple of inches away from the fitting and then unsweat the remaining piece of pipe. Wipe out the solder from the tee while it is still hot so you can get the new pipe into the cup.

amakarevic · 04-12-2007, 01:53 PM

i will try tonight and report how it went tomorrow.

04-12-2007, 11:35 AM	#1
amakarevic Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,083	Unsoldering a copper fitting i am trying to remove one pipe out of a tee and replace it with another. the joint is in the basement, close and above the water heater. i tried to unsolder it but didn't get anywhere, the solder was just too stubborn. i think the problem was that the piping, as it is a heat conductor, was distributing the heat from the torch so the spot was never getting very hot - even after i wa just done heating it for 2-3 min, i could touch it with my bare hand and not get burnt. i did drain the entire house, including the water heater (through the spout it has). then i waited 1-2 hours to make sure that the pipes are free of water. do you think it would help if i sawed the pipe that goes into the hole in the tee that i want to unsolder so the distribution of heat becomes limited ? there would still have to be the other side that is not cut off. PLEASE HELP ...

04-12-2007, 11:42 AM	#2
Mike Swearingen Long-Time DIYer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On Albemarle Sound In Northeastern NC Posts: 1,460	Unsoldering a copper fitting You heat the fitting, not the pipe, to solder or "unsolder" copper. The most usual problem with soldering or unsoldering copper is water in the line. Cut the line, and make certain that it is completely drained. Good lucK! Mike

04-12-2007, 11:48 AM	#3
amakarevic Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,083	Unsoldering a copper fitting are you recommending that i first cut the pipe a few inches away from the joint that i am trying to take apart ?

04-12-2007, 01:32 PM	#4
Jeekinz Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 276	Unsoldering a copper fitting Leave enough room to get some pliers in it.

04-12-2007, 01:45 PM	#5
majakdragon Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,670	Unsoldering a copper fitting Your water heater may have backflow preventers built into the inlet and outlet. This would cause water to lay in the pipes. As Mike said, cut the line a couple of inches away from the fitting and then unsweat the remaining piece of pipe. Wipe out the solder from the tee while it is still hot so you can get the new pipe into the cup. __________________ If you have never made a mistake, you haven't done much.

Unsoldering a copper fitting