FEATURES 17
1. Capillary soldering fittings that comply to the requirements of SANS 1067-2. Solders, fluxes and the method of soldering described in SANS 460 and the manufacturer’ s instructions( SANS 10252-1:2018 Edition 3.2).
2. Compression fittings that comply to the requirements of SANS 1067-1. Copper-based fittings for copper tubes that comply with the requirements of SANS 1067-1, or SANS 1067-2, as relevant( SANS 10252-1:2018 Edition 3.2).
Before connecting pipes, you need to:
1. Measure and cut the pipe. Measuring must be accurate so that the joint quality is not compromised – if the pipe is too short the joint cannot be made, and if the pipe is too long there is a danger of cocking the tube and putting strain on the system which can affect service life.
2. Ream. Cutting the pipe leaves a small burr on the end of the tube, and if this is not removed by reaming, erosion-corrosion can occur. Tools to ream tube ends include the reaming blade on the tube cutter, half-round or round files, a pocket knife, and a suitable deburring tool.
3. Clean. Cleaning is crucial to remove oxides and surface soil, which can interfere with the strength of the joint and cause mechanical failure. Make sure to clean where the joint will go, as well as a bit above this area with either a sand cloth or abrasive pad. The socket of the fitting should also be cleaned – with either a sand cloth, abrasive pad or properly sized fitting brush.
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Always take the manufacturer’ s requirements or recommendations into consideration before doing any work with the copper pipes.
3. Assembly: Once fluxed, assemble the tube and fitting – a slight twisting motion ensures even coverage by the flux. Remove excess flux.
4. Apply a flame to the assembly. Concentrate on the centre of the fitting and not the mouth of the fitting. Slowly move the flame from the fitting to the tube and then remove the flame.
5. Apply solder to the mouth of the fitting to see if it is drawn in – i. e. Keep testing with solder until solder is drawn in.
Copper Development Association Africa Copper Development Association Africa
How to capillary solder Soldering is the traditional method of connecting copper pipes. It involves heating the joint and applying solder, which melts and forms a bond, creating a leak-proof connection. Here are the steps to soldering copper pipes: 1. Measure, cut, ream and clean the pipe end to be joined. 2. Apply flux paste or spray 2 to both interfacing sections of the outer tube and the inner surface of the fitting. Flux paste can be applied with a brush or applicator. Flux spray can be sprayed directly onto the interfacing sections of the tube exterior and interior of fitting – typically a cleaner and quicker fluxing option that also results in less burn marks on the completed joints. Do not use more flux than directed as excess flux can result in latent corrosion, unintended flux in the pipes and wasted cost. 2
6. Allow the fitting and pipe to cool, then wipe the assembly with a damp cloth to remove excess flux – this prevents the assembly from turning green.
Copper Development Association Africa
Copper Development Association Africa Copper Development Association Africa
February 2026 Volume 31 I Number 12 www. plumbingafrica. co. za