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Learning to flare copper pipes can be useful for several reasons. Not only are copper pipes used for main water pipes, but they are also used for various household purposes. When using soft copper tubing for plumbing, different styles of compression fittings are used to make watertight connections. To ensure that the connection is tight, you must properly flare the copper tubing using the proper tools and techniques. Different sizes of copper require specific sets of equipment, but most rocket kits are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Flare nut, flare copper and flare adapter.
If you attempt to flare copper using makeshift tools or other household utensils, you risk creating leaky or poor quality connections. It is worth investing in a flare kit or hiring an experienced plumber. Generic flare kits are available at any hardware store; while larger copper flaring tools will be available from local plumbing supply companies. To properly flare the copper pipe, follow these instructions:
Cut the copper pipe correctly
The first step is to cut the pipe to the correct length (remember that the pipe and water are two different types of plumbing materials).
Instead of using a hacksaw, use a proper pipe cutting tool. A hacksaw cuts copper evenly or cleanly. A hacksaw will leave rough, uneven edges on the cut end. This will cause a failed connection or future leaks.
Copper Pipe Cutter
A cutting tool rotates around the pipe, creating a nice clean cut.
It usually has a cutting blade, a guide wheel and a tightening knob. As you rotate the tool around the copper, the blade gradually cuts the pipe and leaves a clean edge. Since you have to rotate the tool during the process, this tool is best used when you need to cut a pipe that is only a little longer than necessary. You need to have a good grip on the pipe to make accurate cuts, squeezing the tool gently each time it turns. After the pipe is cut, it may be necessary to remove any loose copper pieces.
Many copper cutting tools also contain a cleaner.
How to "Not" Flare Copper Pipe
The effect of not flaring copper properly is a potentially unnecessary and costly repair. This photo below is a major Balkan water repair job needed because a previous contractor connected the copper without flaring. The end result was that the copper literally slipped out of the torch fitting and flooded the roadway. Plus, it created a rather expensive repair bill for a homeowner in Queens NY.
Improperly flared copper caused this major water break
How to Flare Smaller Size Copper Water Pipes
A small flaring tool kit consists of two pieces of equipment, a flareform and a reamer. A flared shape is like a clamp that has a series of holes designed to work with copper tubing of different diameters. Holds the pipe firmly so you can flare it with minimal effort. Before inserting the copper tubing into the flare shape, be sure to slide the compression nut on first. After flaring, you won't put it on the pipe unless you re-cut the pipe.
This is a common beginner's oversight
A reamer has a conical tip, screw, and support arms; it is the tool that performs the actual flaring. To flare the pipe, place it in a hole that matches the size of the copper on the flare shape. Place the reamer over the flared shape so that the tapered tip is against the pipe.
Flaring Smaller Copper Pipe
When tightening the reamer, the tapered tip will easily flare the copper. Tightening the reamer will become more difficult as the copper tubing flares out.
Keep tightening until you can't move the handle, never over tighten. Overtightening when flaring copper pipes will cause the copper to crack.
All steps must be followed for proper conclusion
Loosen the reamer until it can be pulled out of the flared shape. Remove the tube by loosening the clamps on the flared shape. In some cases, the flare is not smooth because the tube rotates when you tighten the reamer.
To fix it, make a new cut under the flared part and repeat the process. Learning to flare copper means knowing that if flaring is not done properly, never use brute force and overtighten the flare fitting to fix the problem. Overtightening any flare will simply split the copper or break the brass fitting.
The small copper cutter for home use is relatively simple. However, flaring copper water pipes for real water pipes requires skill.
A drip on a copper line for your ice maker is very different from a drip on the underground water line.
Type K copper water pipes are designed for flaring
Copper pipes are available in four different types, depending on the thickness of the walls. The 4 basic types of copper tubing are: Type K, L, M and DWV. Type K has the thickest diameter compared to other copper types of a given diameter. Type DWV (exhaust, exhaust and vent) is primarily used for non-pressurized applications.
The ideal type for flaring is type K as it has a thick wall that can resist flaring due to its soft and malleable nature. Type L and M coppers are meant to be soldered or brazed to join lengths together, as they are considered hard copper tubing. Hard copper tubing is the most difficult to flare and is not expressly intended for this purpose.
Brass flare fittings should be used
A compression fitting used for flared copper is called a flare fitting. In addition to copper, it is also commonly used for other metal pipes, including aluminum and mild steel.
Such a fitting consists of two parts, a flare nut and a tapered end with a threaded end. During assembly, the flared end of the copper pipe is attached to the flare nut using the flare nut. Provides an airtight and pressure resistant seal.
A tapered flare tool flares the end of the copper
The two parts of the flare fitting, the flare nut and the true flare fitting on the right, they should fit together easily. If you have to use extreme force to tighten them, they're probably misaligned.
Installation instructions are as follows: 1. A flare nut should be placed behind the copper pipe before flaring. 2. The flared end of the copper tube evenly faces the tapered end of the flare fitting. 3.
The two ends must come into close and perfectly equal contact. 4. Slide the flare nut and hand tighten it onto the flare fitting. A turn or two with an appropriately sized wrench should ensure a tight connection. 5.
If the connection is lost, it is probably due to an incorrect eruption. A flared end of the copper pipe should form a 45 degree angle all around and easily cover the face of the flare fitting.
Flare fittings work best for Type K soft copper for two main reasons. First, type K copper has the thickest wall with any diameter than type L or M. Second, being a soft copper, it allows the flare fitting to fit tightly.
Because it is tightened to the flare nut on the other end; the two sides continue to press against each other to achieve a perfectly sealed connection.
Copper K Flaring Tool
Always use an approved brass fitting to connect copper tubing
Brass fittings are the material of choice to be used for flared copper for various reasons. These reasons include, but are not limited to, durability, versatility, and malleability. Also, the use of different metals (such as galvanized steel) will create a condition of electrolysis and cause the pipe to rot.
Once used, the brass fitting remains in good condition for decades.
Brass does not disintegrate or break easily. Be careful, when used for hot water distribution, brass acts as a good conductor for better efficiency. Compared to other metallic materials, brass lasts longer when continuously exposed to hot water; it is also fire resistant. If you need an accurate plumbing installation, brass fittings make it easy. Another important thing is that brass resists corrosion.
Plumbing is all about water, and many metal materials are not resistant to corrosion and rust.
Copper K is used for water pipes up to 2 inches in diameter. Copper K is relatively easy to bend or shape, which means it has many uses that rigid pipe materials do not. 2 inch K copper requires much more skill to work with special tools. So you may know how to burn copper, but 2 inch copper can pose a special challenge that requires the services of a professional plumber
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