How To Solder Copper Pipe

Have some plumbing to do, but not sure which skills you'll need? Learning how to solder, as outlined below, is the first step.

Introduction

Soldering is the process of joining two or more interlocking pieces of pipe by melting a blend of metals called solder and using it as a sort of glue to join the pieces together. My dad has been soldering for himself and others for nearly 50 years, and he taught me how to solder copper pipe as a teenager.

When I worked at a film studio in my late 20s, the props department needed a device that would shoot streams of water at an actor mid-scene. That meant getting properly sized pieces of copper pipe and fittings and soldering them together. Trouble was, no one in the props department knew how to solder. Though I was a sound guy and there was a strict rule about not interfering with other departments, I stepped in and saved the day with a careful bit of soldering.

Later, I used those same skills to solder copper pipe in my home's water system, although I did most of the work with PEX.

If you're a DIYer with plumbing work to do, learning how to solder copper pipe is extremely useful. Keep reading and learn the whole process.

When to call a pro

Call in a professional if you're new to soldering and face a critical job, like joining water pipes in your home. Any mistakes here could turn into a huge headache. Watch and learn this time around. Then if you feel up to it, DIY your next soldering job. It's also unwise to attempt any soldering without all the equipment and materials listed below.