Soldering copper pipes is a vital skill for plumbers at any level. An often overlooked aspect of this process is the role of flux.
This guide will look at what flux is, explain its significance, review key considerations, and unpack the range of options offered by Oatey Co.
For beginner and intermediate plumbers, this is a deep dive into how making the right flux selection can improve your plumbing work. Taking a closer look at flux could be the key to enhancing your soldering skills.
What Is Flux?
Flux is more than just a necessary precursor to soldering; it is a critical component in ensuring the integrity of your joints. Acting as both a cleaning and wetting agent, flux preps the surfaces to be joined, effectively aiding in the flow of solder.
The role of flux is to eliminate oxidation, a common barrier to achieving a solid, leak-free connection. For the uninitiated, imagine it as akin to applying a primer before painting: This invisible assistant ensures your end product is robust and complete.
Oatey offers a comprehensive selection of fluxes tailored to different requirements and work environments.
Why the Right Flux Matters
Selecting the proper flux can directly impact the smoothness and strength of your solder joints. The wrong flux can lead to issues such as incomplete filling, discoloration, or even flux entrapment, all of which can deteriorate the joint over time. With a quality flux, you can mitigate these risks and ensure a professional finish.
Matching the Job to the Flux
When choosing a flux, consider factors such as your experience level, the nature of the joint itself, and the environmental conditions of the working area.
Experience Level: For beginners and less-experienced plumbers, tinning flux with its built-in solder component can make the process more forgiving. On the other hand, seasoned pros might prefer the precision of a separate solder application with a standard flux.
Joint Size: Larger joints may need the extra help of tinning flux to ensure the seamless flow of solder. For smaller joints, a powerful all-purpose flux could be more appropriate.
Environmental Considerations: Is the weather hot? Hot Weather Flux can resist the flux separation that occurs when working in high temperatures, ensuring your soldering work is consistent in varying climates. When soldering in warmer climates or hot weather, choosing the appropriate flux is essential to counter the accelerated oxidation that occurs at elevated temperatures.
Tinning Flux versus Regular Flux:
Tinning flux, containing a small amount of solder powder, is engineered not only to clean the pipe, but also to pre-tin the fitting, which can be extremely helpful for beginners or those working in a hurry. Pre-tinning simplifies the process by combining two steps into one, promoting better adhesion and quicker filling of the joint. Tinning flux helps eliminate small mistakes and acts as an insurance policy to prevent improper soldering.
On the other hand, regular flux is used purely for cleaning the metal surfaces before the solder application. It does not contain solder powder. Regular flux is ideal for professionals who prefer the control and precision that come with applying solder separately.
While tinning flux is advantageous for efficiency and ease, especially in smaller or less complex jobs, regular flux affords the experienced plumber greater control over the amount and placement of solder. Both play pivotal roles in creating strong, durable joints, but the choice between them should be guided by the specific needs of the project and the skill level of the individual performing the work.
Water Soluble versus Regular or Tinning Flux:
When selecting the right flux for a plumbing project, it’s essential to consider whether a water-soluble option is the best fit. When soldering, it’s common for flux residue to be left inside the pipe. While Oatey fluxes are rated to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects and safe for use with potable water, some individuals may detect a slight odor or taste. With the water-soluble option, simply running water through the pipe easily breaks down the flux and flushes it out.
In contrast, if you opt for the non-water-soluble version, it is recommended to flush the lines with a tri-sodium phosphate solution to ensure thorough removal of the flux. This process can be more involved and requires introducing the solution into the system, typically near the washing machine.
The Oatey Flux Spectrum: Lead-Free and Ready to Perform
Oatey’s commitment to quality presents a variety of fluxes for your plumbing needs, all of which are lead-free and listed to NSF61. Here are some of Oatey’s flagship offerings and the scenarios in which each excels:
Tinning Flux: For When Precision Matters
Oatey® No. 95 Tinning Flux is a reliable choice for professional plumbers seeking a flux that ensures thorough cleaning and effective soldering. This petroleum-based flux preps copper surfaces and contains added tin for stronger joints. It acts as a solder powder, filling gaps on imperfectly fitted parts, and making it valuable for suboptimal joints. Suitable for various solders and accommodating a wide temperature range, it offers flexibility in different plumbing applications.
Tinning flux is particularly useful for soldering low- or no-lead brass effectively. Read more on that here.
Number 5 Flux: A General Workhorse
The Oatey® No. 5 Paste Flux provides excellent performance for various applications, ensuring a strong, durable, and high-leverage solder joint. This all-purpose flux works well with a broad range of copper pipe thicknesses and is effective in cold and hot climates, maintaining consistency.
The No. 5 Paste Flux helps thoroughly clean ahead of soldering and is compatible with nearly all common solders. Its superior wetting properties allow for better solder flow and help maintain joint integrity, making it a reliable choice for consistent soldering application.
Water-Soluble Flux: A Water-Flushable Option
Oatey® H-20®5 Paste Flux is a water-soluble option that provides a viable choice for plumbers who prioritize ease of use and clean-up. The water solubility of this paste means residue can be flushed out with water, reducing post-fitting time and effort. This flux is particularly suited for applications where the presence of flux residues post-soldering is a concern.
For professionals seeking both the precision of tinning flux and the ease of water solubility, Oatey offers the H-20®95 Water Soluble Tinning Flux. This formula provides the same high-quality cleaning and tinning properties as other Oatey tinning fluxes while ensuring that any residues can be effortlessly washed away with water after soldering.
Liquid Flux: Streamlined for Efficiency
For those who require detail-oriented soldering with a professional finish, Oatey® No. 11 Liquid Flux is an optimal choice. Its liquid form offers precise application, allowing you to easily target specific joint areas and reduce the possibility of excess spillage and waste.
The No. 11 Liquid Flux excels in situations that require rapid, clean soldering without sacrificing joint quality. It’s a reliable flux that complements leaded and lead-free solders, offering strong adhesion and thorough cleaning to prevent any potential oxidation during the soldering process. Ensuring a clean and clear work area is essential when using this flux, as its liquid nature makes it easier to spread, thus increasing effectiveness as well as necessitating careful handling.
Hot Weather Flux: Combating High-Temperature Challenges
Oatey® No. 5 Hot Weather Flux is a specialized flux that works optimally in hot weather conditions. It thoroughly cleans copper pipes and maintains an appropriate viscosity, facilitating the flow and adhesion of solder to the joint. It reduces the risk of overheating and weakened joints caused by high-temperature environments.
Hercules® Climate Smooth™ Soldering Paste is a lead-free, all-weather formula allowing smooth soldering without excessive running or drying out. It also cleans as it solders, saving time on the job. These products are great options for professional plumbers working in various temperature environments.
Gel Flux: The Solution for Precision and Control
Hercules® Jel-Flux offers a specialized solution for those intricate soldering projects that demand control. Gel flux stands out due to its thicker consistency, which adheres firmly to vertical surfaces without dripping or running off, allowing for accurate application even in challenging scenarios.
Its gel-like composition provides a no-drip, no-splash application, delivering convenience by minimizing mess and waste. The nature of Hercules® Jel-Flux also ensures that it stays in the exact spot where it’s needed, making it ideal for overhead or vertical soldering jobs where precision is paramount.
The Road to Better Soldering
In conclusion, the world of plumbing soldering need not be daunting and discouraging. With the savvy use of flux, you can set yourself on the path to exceptional soldering work.
Oatey’s range of fluxes and solder pastes can be the transformative ingredient to your plumbing projects, adding a level of precision and finesse that is hard to beat. By understanding flux's critical role and the bespoke solutions Oatey offers, you can elevate your work to professional standard.