Rookie Help with soldering

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Rookie Help with soldering

Author: coopns

I have done some basic soldering/plumbing in the past, I did the outdoor shower with Symmons Value and sweat all the pipes.

So I am trying to repair a small section of copper pipe. Cut out bad section 3inches, some new 1/2 copper with two 1/2 connectors on each end. I cleaned all ends nice, flux heated up and I can't get the solder to suck in to the pipe. I tried 4 or 5 times now. I use new connections with no stops each time. Couple of times the pipe got too hot because it wasn't taking the solder. Turned black. I got new flux, no luck. So I tried some solder with tin and half worked, but not quite, still kind of leaked out. Is my wire solder to thick? I keep touching the solder to the pipe but it just doesn't melt. Tried with MAP gas and regular torch.

Any advice?

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Re: Rookie Help with soldering
Author: hj (AZ) YOU have water or moisture in the joint and it will NEVER solder until you get rid of it.
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Re: Rookie Help with soldering
Author: m & m (MD) Try substituting a drain coupling for one or both of the slip couplings. Orient the drain downward and remove the cap for the solder process.
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Re: Rookie Help with soldering
Author: hj (AZ) Where do you find "drain couplings"? I usually have to use tees with adapters and plugs. Mainly because NONE of my supply houses have EVER had a "drain coupling".
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Re: Rookie Help with soldering
Author: m & m (MD) They used to be stock, anymore they are special order but I "require" them on my truck so I don't drive without them. The site sponsor doesn't list them either. Still cheaper than a union. Edited 2 times.
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