Sweating Pipes:
Will It Ever Become a Lost Art?

   Properly sweating a pipe and getting a joint that will stand the test of time are good reasons for a plumber to be proud. But the introduction of alternative piping material options for plumbing applications, like PEX and CPVC, mean that there are ways to join pipe without the need for solder and flux.

   So, is pipe sweating becoming a lost art?

   That could depend on a number of factors. Construction projects looking for an easier way to put a water line may see alternative piping materials as a more cost-effective way to do the job. Expect to see an ever-increasing influence and use of alternative joining technologies, especially in residential construction that will reduce the dependence on traditional methods of joining pipe.    

   “In my mind, there is no finer way of demonstrating the art of plumbing to your customer--and your expertise in that art--than beautifully laid-out train tracks of copper pipes and solder joints sweeping throughout the building,” said Harvey Wiseman, CEO of the Wiseman Group in Essex, England.

   “This isn’t DIY plumbing, Wiseman said. "This is professionalism first hand, and something for you and your customer to be proud of. Copper has been around for many years, and its resistance to microbes and proven longevity ensure that well-sweated copper joints are here to stay.”

   For most plumbing applications, the use of flux products has been diminishing due to the rising costs of copper pipe and the increasing popularity and use of CPVC and PEX piping, agreed Jerry Tomasello, national sales manager for RectorSeal Corp. in Houston.

   “Is pipe sweating becoming a lost art? No…not yet," said Vince Kotowski, sales manager, Canfield Technologies, in Sayreville, N.J. “There are MANY plumbers/contractors ‘sweating’ pipe the old-fashioned way…flux, solder-on-copper. We all realize the tremendous gains plastic like PEX have made during the past few years. Obviously, PEX requires no ‘sweat’. Additionally we see some gains using the 'ProPress' type of process, wherein the fittings are squeezed together using a special tool. This process also requires no sweating or the use of solder.”

   Those learning the trade may be less interested in acquiring pipe-sweating techniques. Some talk about using only PEX because it is so much easier, simpler and cheaper. The challenge for the industry may be finding, recruiting, and training new plumbers who are willing to make the commitment to develop professional pipe-joining skills.

   The industry consensus seems to be sweating joints will never go away completely unless the entire base of copper tubing usage in current construction is replaced by alternative joining technologies. In addition, there’s always going to be a necessity for knowledge of pipe sweating due to repair issues, unless the decision is made to change out an entire system. The impact on commercial construction does not seem to be as great to this point, but growth here also is anticipated, but at a slower rate than residential construction.

Well Connected:
Keys to a Good Pipe Joint

   Plumbing professionals say knowing when a pipe is joined properly may not be rocket science, but there is a bit of art and skill in the process. How do you know if a joint is good?

   “An experienced plumber knows when a joint has taken well," said Harvey Wiseman, CEO of the Wiseman Group. "The amount of solder drawn into the joint when applying heat gives a good indication as to how well the flux has drawn the solder into the joint. Applying a pressure test through the system is often the recognized way of testing joints. A leak detector fluid applied to the joint in question can be applied when pressure testing with air. It is often a good idea to use a wet sponge to wipe the joint before any physical testing of a joint. The water from the sponge would remove any excess soluble flux and may release a joint should it have missed the soldering process,” Wiseman said.

   “In our testing lab, we solder joints then cut them in half at 90 degrees to the joint and beat them with a heavy hammer so that they pop apart,” Wiseman said. "The resulting flattened inside of the joint shows pits and voids when using a poor flux which can lead to a leak. The best way to ensure a good solder joint is to use the best flux and solder available.”

   This is a tough question to answer, said Jerry Tomasello, national sales manager of RectorSeal Corp. in Houston. “The only true way to know if a joint has been properly soldered together would be to cut it in half and visually inspect the two pieces of copper to make sure the solder flow is consistent,” he said.  “ However, while going through the soldering process, the only way you will know when the solder flow is complete is when you see a complete bead of solder form around the fitting edge and the pipe. The only way to ensure a proper joint is by using a flux product that will not burn off before the solder flows.”

   Vince Kotowski, sales manager for Canfield Technologies in Sayreville, N.J. said the “cute” answer is: The pipe doesn’t leak. 

    “Of course a visual inspection should always be done, being sure to note the solder completely around the pipe and fitting," he said. “Other than that the joint can be tested--and should be tested--with water and under pressure,” Kotowski said. “ More extreme methods of testing joint integrity include X-raying it, which isn’t very practical or to cutting the pipe/fitting to determine the solder has filled completely and fully and deeply. This is a destructive test obviously.”

   When all is said and done, the experts agree, a joint is only as good as the materials used and the plumber who used them.

PEOPLE

SOLDER/FLUX

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

S-39 Soldering Flux from JC Whitlam is a completely water soluble/flushable, acid free, lead free, self-cleaning flux that is suitable on all types of tin solder and their alloys.  Its self-cleaning action will solder dissimilar metals and works excellent on older or tarnished copper, without having to brush or sand the surface.  S-39 leaves no residue and will not transfer taste or odor in water coolers and potable water systems. S-39 liquid flux withstands overheating by retaining the flux in the area of the joint being soldered. Visit www.s39flux.com for more information.

AQUA-BRITE by Canfield Technologies is an advanced water-soluble plumbing flux which meets the ASTM B813 specification. This product offers excellent wetting characteristics, which facilitates solder flow for exceptional bonding. Material remaining on joints is non-corrosive and the residue left inside pipes flushes out. Easy-wipe feature assures even spread over the joint. An environmentally friendly flux which is water-soluble and contains no lead. It is non-fuming and self-cleaning.