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Slalom4me [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
Guru
Edmonton, AB
165 Posts
Member since:
2007/10/27 0:00



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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
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skirlin Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
Senior Guru
Caledonia Michigan
277 Posts
Member since:
2008/1/20 0:00



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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
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Slalom4me Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
Guru
Edmonton, AB
165 Posts
Member since:
2007/10/27 0:00



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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
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bogus Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
San Pedro, CA
20856 Posts
Member since:
2005/9/7 0:00



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I have no idea... personally, I like working with CPVC... easy stuff!!
Posted on: 2008/4/17 6:03
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red_johnny Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
On Sabbatical
Augusta, GA (85 383 stroker)
3213 Posts
Member since:
2006/7/6 0:00



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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
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skirlin Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
Senior Guru
Caledonia Michigan
277 Posts
Member since:
2008/1/20 0:00



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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
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CentralCoaster Re: [Plumbing] Requesting an explanation about non-reuse of copper pipe fittings
Senior Guru
San Diego, CA
9454 Posts
Member since:
2007/10/28 0:00



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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
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