I suck at soldering- other options?

[tuckermtn]

I am a really poor solderer with copper pipe. Using copper from the sap tank in to the RO since I can use a torch to heat it up in frozen weather.

So at Lowes tonight they had a two part epoxy that can be used instead of soldering. Anyone have any experience with this sort of epoxy for joining conventional copper piping?

[CBOYER]

Try to find this type of fittings: http://www.lowes.com/pd_188636-58421-651-003LW_4294935753__?productId=3556992&Ntt=copper&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dcopper&facetInfo=

[tuckermtn]

I looked at these tonight but unfortunately my Lowes did not have them in 1" pipe size.

[twitch]

home depot sells fittings called shark bite they simply push on the pipe used some in my house waterlines they work well and no leaks so far.

[twitch]

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100638089/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=shark+bite&storeId=10051#.UOuA0oVzD8A



here is a link not a bad thing to have around the sugar house.

[Amber Gold]

Eric, I find if you put enough solder on it, it doesn't leak... I suck at soldering too, my joints look horrible, but they don't leak.

[whalems]

Using a MAP gass torch (witch burns much hotter) makes soldering much easier. Clean, Hot, and dry will make a leak free conection every time. clean fittings with a wire brush or emery cloth. flux, heat solder, done. Good luck.

Ps. I dont think they make shark bite in 1" just 1/2 and 3/4

[Thad Blaisdell]

for a professional look, at the end of soldering, while it is still wicked hot wipe with a damp cloth..... but if you still question your skills, just use a sharkbite they are awesome. I have used them on different occasions, best part is you can take them apart again with a little tool that they sell as well. Sharkbite is pricey but never leaks and takes no other tools, and done in about 10 seconds.

[jgrenier]

Iwas able to get shark bite fittings ing 1" used them for my wood boiler they work real nice but they are pricey

[tuckermtn]

I will try and hunt down the 1" shark bite fittings. I like how quick and reusable they look. To me the price is justified for the time and aggrivation it hopefully will save.

thanks for the heads-up.

[Thad Blaisdell]

I do believe Home Cheapo has them in stock, check on line first

[ericjeeper]

Soldering is easy with the proper tools. You need a good torch.Good tinning flux, and clean fittings. trick is to get the fittings hot then apply the solder. You might have to use the torch on each side of the fitting. But a soldered fitting is far superior to any high dollar compression type fitting.

[CBOYER]

1" shark bite are avalaible:
http://www.cashacme.com/prod_sharkbite_pushfit.php

i'm good at soldering, but when you make renovation, sometimes you cannot put flames in some area. Those shark bites (or another push type), are awesome..

[tuckermtn]

I got some 1" shark bite fittings at Gnome Depot in Concord this evening. looking forward to the simplicity. thanks all-

[Amber Gold]

What about using heat tape? I use this on my tank lines, wrap it around the pipe and valves and have no issues.