What Is A Sweating Pipe? Copper plumbing long has been a standard in home construction. Anyone who has a home with copper pipes should have an understanding of how to make repairs in the case of a leak or if modifications need to be made. “Sweating pipes” is one term homeowners may hear when maintaining their pipes. Sweating a pipe refers to soldering a pipe or the joint. Sweating seals a new joint or mends a fault. When sweating a pipe, it is important to do the job correctly so that a soldered pipe can last for years and years. PlanItDIY, a source for how-to advice, says that sweating pipes involves some key steps. • Cut the pipes to the right length using a copper tube cutter or hacksaw. • Use a file or wire brush to remove burs and smooth down the ends. • Clean the end of the copper pipe with a cleaning brush until the surface is bright all around. In addition, clean the inside of all fittings. • Brush plumbing flux on the brushed surfaces and assemble BECAUSE THEY DEPEND ON YOU! As your home and family changes, so do your insurance needs. If it’s time to update your homeowner’s policy, call us today. • Home • Business • Auto • Life • Bonds “Don’t Gamble”...Insure With M.T. & R.C. Smith Insurance 605-665-3611 Serving You Since 1949 12 • TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2020 v MetroCreative Connection lax...You’ve Earned It! Re INSURANCE 204 W. 4th St., Yankton, SD the joint. The how-to resource Hunker says flux is an acidic paste applied to all of the pieces of copper that you want to connect together. The flux paste will draw in the solder after the pipe is heated using a blow torch. The acid in the flux attracts the solder into the seam between the two copper pieces and fills the gap while creating a semi-permanent bond between the pieces. • To create the seal, move the flame around the joint to heat it evenly. The copper will get shiny, and the flux will melt. When the pipe begins to dull and the flux sizzles and smokes, it is time to apply solder. Touch lead-free plumbing solder to the joint and apply more heat. • The sweating process is finished when the solder bubbles out of the end of the seam. Let cool and the joint should now be water-tight. Sweating pipes gets easier with practice. DIYers who are nervous about plumbing projects that involve sweating can be reassured there are connection products available that are used in lieu of flux and solder. These push-to-connect fittings seal joints as well. Individuals can speak with experts at hardware and home improvement stores to find the best products for their needs and skill levels. Essentially, a hot tub functions as a personal reset button that helps you start fresh. And who couldn’t use that? Leisure World, Inc. Spas • Swimming Pools • Saunas 1900 Broadway Ave., Yankton, SD 605-665-1240 2500 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE 402-371-8425 www.leisureworldsd.com