What does plumbing flux do

Try soldering with no flux and prove to yourself what a difference it makes. Flux comes in two basic formats: liquid and paste. Liquid fluxes are generally used for small, intricate parts. Paste fluxes are generally used for plumbing and piping and other situations that call for larger quantities of flux to be applied to a part before soldering. Paste fluxes are generally applied with a brush.

Although the underlying chemistries can be very complicated, there are really only a few basic categories of flux. By knowing what the strengths and weaknesses of each type are you will be able to choose the right flux for the job. A general-purpose type of flux that is good for many types of metals and solders. They can have a higher content of active ingredients, making them very good at metal cleaning and surface tension control for superior solder flow. Their main weakness is that they can char more easily and also may cause discoloration of the surface.

This discoloration does not negatively affect the metal and is easily removed. Because they are water-soluble, any residue left after soldering is easily rinsed away. Therefore, the main reason to use this type of flux is for excellent solder spreading and good rinsing capabilities.

Flux will need to be cleaned off the pipe work, because when it is heated and cooled, it becomes alkaline and leaves residues, which are corrosive to the pipe work. Save Saved Removed 0 Previous What is soldering? Next How does solder work? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Email: info wonkeedonkee. Our other sites:. The flux will corrode the pipe at the joint and some will be pushed around the system to find other things to corrode, maybe inside your boiler.

The bottom line is that misuse of flux is commonplace and causes problems large and small. If you knew everything to ask, you would know enough to do the job yourself. My advice is to try to ask questions anyway, if getting a new boiler, ask them about how they commission a new boiler , how they plan the work and if soldering is involved, you could ask about their use of flux.

It also helps to look at online reviews and read up a little on your plumbing area of interest. Operating as normal with precautions. Next, take a soldering torch and use it to heat the pipe connection. Heat the fitting for around 30 seconds. Then press the soldering reel onto the connection. Doing so will allow flux to pull the solder toward the fitting. Best Substitutes for Teflon Tape.

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