How to Take Apart Soldered Copper Joints

If newly soldered copper joints leak when full water pressure is re-applied to the copper line, they will have to be removed. This is a fairly simple process, but one should always replace an old joint with a new one. Special care must be followed when using a naked flame.

Propane torch
Heat-resistant cloth
Water spray bottle
Dry rag
Emery cloth
Water-pump pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off water at main shut-off valve, and drain pipes by turning on the highest and lowest faucets in the property.
- 2
  Place heat-resistant cloth behind the soldered joint to prevent possible fire. Light the propane torch, holding the flame tip against the copper fitting until the solder starts to melt.
- 3
  Grip the copper fitting with the water-pump pliers, moving the fitting before it releases from the copper piping.
- 4
  Re-heat the ends of the copper pipe to remove the old solder, and carefully wipe away any solder with a dry rag.
- 5
  Sand the ends of the copper pipe(about an inch) with an emery cloth, making sure no dust or grease is left. The copper pipe is now ready to re-solder a new joint.

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