Soldering Delta T17238-SS Takes forever to heat.
#1
09-06-17, 07:21 PM
Soldering Delta T17238-SS Takes forever to heat.
Hello,
I am soldering a Delta T17238-SS shower faucet and it takes forever to heat to the point of melting the solder. What would cause this? My propane bottle isn't brand new, it's probably towards the end, could that be why? Or could it be that the housing is so beefy? It's taking an exceptionally long time to heat the faucet housing and copper pipe enough to melt the solder. I'm talking at least 15 - 20 minutes.
This is what the facet housing looks like:
Thanks for any input.
I am soldering a Delta T17238-SS shower faucet and it takes forever to heat to the point of melting the solder. What would cause this? My propane bottle isn't brand new, it's probably towards the end, could that be why? Or could it be that the housing is so beefy? It's taking an exceptionally long time to heat the faucet housing and copper pipe enough to melt the solder. I'm talking at least 15 - 20 minutes.
This is what the facet housing looks like:
Thanks for any input.
Last edited by PJmax; 09-06-17 at 07:47 PM. Reason: added pic from link
#2
09-06-17, 07:48 PM
Group Moderator
You need a hotter torch. Preferably one using Mapp gas. Too much heat for too long will damage the valve.
#4
09-07-17, 07:26 AM
Member
I always sweat the female adapters on to a short length of tubing to keep the heat away from the rough in valve. This also prevents the valve body from acting like a heat sink. Use Mapp gas.
#5
09-07-17, 07:39 AM
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Here's a quote from the instructions if it helps. The body will act like a heat sink so you need to work quickly. MAPP gas should let you heat the fitting faster.
Remove bonnet (1) and test cap (2) before soldering. Leave screen (3) installed.
Warning: Avoid soldering at high temperature.
Exposure to high temperatures may damage screen. Be sure stops (4) are removed from the w/stops version before soldering.
(Do not install before soldering.)
Remove bonnet (1) and test cap (2) before soldering. Leave screen (3) installed.
Warning: Avoid soldering at high temperature.
Exposure to high temperatures may damage screen. Be sure stops (4) are removed from the w/stops version before soldering.
(Do not install before soldering.)
Last edited by Handyone; 09-07-17 at 07:40 AM. Reason: Follow Handyman663...... Just saw his reply
#6
09-07-17, 11:20 AM
Super Moderator
Yes remove cartridge and any stops on the valve before soldering.. Also use map gas.
That valve in your pic has threads too. You can solder copper pieces to a female adapter and then screw these on to the valve. That will eliminate your heat sink issue ...
That valve in your pic has threads too. You can solder copper pieces to a female adapter and then screw these on to the valve. That will eliminate your heat sink issue ...
