|
Register To Post |
Slalom4me | [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
Guru
|
I am interested in whether members here have an explanation
for the consistent admonishment not to reuse copper pipe fittings that have been removed from a soldered joint. By fittings, I mean elbows, unions, tees and so on. Thanks, Ken R. . |
||
Posted on: 2008/4/17 4:36
|
|||
Transfer |
skirlin | Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
Senior Guru
|
Hmmm...not sure why. My father is a master plumber (31 years), I'll ask him. That is an interesting question. I briefly worked as an apprentice but found it wasn't my cup of tea. Off hand I would say it is to spend more money$$$$$. :thumbright:
|
||
Posted on: 2008/4/17 5:19
|
|||
_________________
There is no point in living if you can't feel alive. |
|||
Transfer |
Slalom4me | Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
Guru
|
If the DIY sources were also advocating discarding the
copper pipe then we'd have good reason to suspect they were in cahoots with the vendors, but the emphasis is on the fittings. I wonder whether it is a concern about cleaning the residue sufficiently to permit full engagement of pipe within the fittings - you can easily brush old solder from the pipe. Or whether there is something that prevents proper capilliary action when flowing the new joint. Maybe heat changes the physical properties or dimensions? This seems unlikely, but I am a lay person and it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong. . |
||
Posted on: 2008/4/17 5:57
|
|||
Transfer |
bogus | Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
|
I have no idea... personally, I like working with CPVC... easy stuff!!
|
||
Posted on: 2008/4/17 6:03
|
|||
_________________
The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
|||
Transfer |
red_johnny | Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
On Sabbatical
|
I re-use mine. I have no leaks. I re-used 2 elbows and everything works just fine.
|
||
Posted on: 2008/4/17 10:46
|
|||
Transfer |
skirlin | Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
Senior Guru
|
I got an answer. My father said you can reuse them but the effort to clean the fittings so they fit tight and the solder to flow right can be time consuming and at $70 per hour it's faster and cheaper for the customer to have the plumber grab new and git-er-done. The old stuff ends up in the scrap yard to be recycled. Your second post, for a "lay person", was spot on. If you want to use the old just clean them well.
|
||
Posted on: 2008/4/18 16:09
|
|||
_________________
There is no point in living if you can't feel alive. |
|||
Transfer |
CentralCoaster | Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings | ||
Senior Guru
|
That was my understanding, that the old solder makes reassembly more difficult and less reliable. The fittings could also be contaminated and leave voids in the solder.
The plumbing code does allow copper fittings on drinking water piping to be reused. |
||
Posted on: 2008/4/18 20:39
|
|||
_________________
1985 Z51, ZF6 |
|||
Transfer |
You can view topic.
You cannot start a new topic.
You cannot reply to posts.
You cannot edit your posts.
You cannot delete your posts.
You cannot add new polls.
You cannot vote in polls.
You cannot attach files to posts.
You cannot post without approval.
|