Summary: Learn how to join pipes using solder, join pipes using a compression joint, join pipes using a speedfit joint, join pipes using a threaded joint and join pipes using a Hep20 joint.
There are a number of methods for joining lengths of pipe together. Whatever method you use and regardless of the material the pipe is made from, the ends must be cut square and have the burrs removed. This will ensure a watertight fit. The most common methods for joining pipes are soldered capillary joints, compression joints, speedfit joints, threaded joints and the Hep20 joint.
Solder is a metal alloy supplied in the form of wire on a coil. When solder is heated it melts and forms a watertight seal around the joint between two pipes. Solder-ring joints are made with the solder applied to the inner surface of the joint, which means no additional solder has to be used. End-feed joints need the solder to be added.
Soldering a copper pipe joint can be difficult to master and it may require practice before you become proficient. Problems occur when either too much or too little heat is applied. Not enough heat will result in the solder failing to make a complete seal, while too much heat will cause the solder to run out of the joint.
When soldering always follow the blowtorch manufacturer's instructions and protect any adjacent surfaces with a soldering mat. It is also important to make sure there is adequate ventilation as the fumes are toxic.
Here we are look at joining two lengths of pipe using an end-feed capillary joint. The lengths of copper pipe should already be cut to length and had the rough edges removed by filing.
Apply flux paste to the end of the pipe and inside the end-feed joint.
A compression joint is used to connect lengths of copper or plastic pipe without using a blowtorch. It consists of a brass joint body, two small soft metal rings called olives, and two cap nuts which screw onto either end of the joint body. The lengths of pipe should already be cut to length and had the rough edges removed by filing.
Unscrew one capnut from the joint body, if the olive has two sloping faces ensure it goes onto the end of the pipe the same way it was fitted.
Grip the body joint with one spanner while you tighten the capnut with another, but do not over tighten.
This is a simple method of joining plastic or copper pipes. The plastic joint is fitted with a toothed ring called a collet and an O-ring seal.
Push the end of one of the pipes into the joint and the collet will grip the pipe.
Pipes connecting to taps, cylinders and cisterns will have a screw thread. If the thread is on the outside of the pipe it is a male connection; if the pipe has an internal thread it is referred to as female.
The Hep20 fitting is made from plastic and has an internal grab ring and an O-ring seal. It can be used to join a plastic pipe with a copper pipe.
Push the end of pipe into the fitting up to the pencil mark.
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