How To Solder A LEAD-FREE Ball Valve (Correct Way!!) | GOT2LEARN
In this video, I'll go through all the steps on how to properly solder a lead free ball valve.
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Amazon affiliate links to all the products I used in this video:
AutoCut Pipe Cutter 1/2": amzn.to/2XlyqAn
AutoCut Pipe Cutter 3/4: amzn.to/3gPmhhz
Superior Tool 1/2" Cleaning Attachment: amzn.to/2kwBMBK
Pencil Torch: amzn.to/2U3OTaa
Fitting brush 4 in 1: amzn.to/45ELin6
Propane gas(Blue bottle): amzn.to/3tpWAOo
Lead-free tinning flux: amzn.to/2U3abEW
Flux brushes: amzn.to/3S1xsrK
Lead-free solder (Sterling): amzn.to/3ZT6Jzn
Flame protector: amzn.to/3tzkcQV
Abrasive pads: amzn.to/2XaY6kT
Pencil reamer: amzn.to/2tBuhKW
All-in-one deburring tool: amzn.to/3B9dLUv
Timestamps
Start - 00:00
US Law on drinking water - 00:49
How to differentiate leaded from lead-free - 01:00
Different soldering method - 01:35
Which flux/solder to use - 02:57
How to solder a lead free valve - 03:42
Results - 05:38
DISCLAIMER: Got2Learn is NOT responsible for any damage done to a property of which the plumbing wasn't done by a professional, I do not recommend doing your own plumbing if you are unsure about what you are doing, always hire a LICENSED contractor when doing any type of plumbing so you can be covered by insurances if something does happen, these videos are for entertainment purposes only!
40 year retired Union Plumber/Welding Inspector. Great video and beautifully soldered joints.
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Dude, if you keep going like this I believe you're heading to become the ... PREMIER PLUMBING CHANNEL on YT. I'm loving your animation work.
😃😃😃😃😃 I have no intent on stawwping, that would be crazyyyyyy!!!! Thank you so much!!!
Whats up against any producer here is the busted KZhead AL, it there to smack you down if you get too big
Stop it. You’re too good!
Your videos are always straight to the point and concise. And the demonstrational cut of the fittings to show the solder coverage was extremely helpful. Thank you for going the extra mile!
Good job. I’ve always heated my pipe first, even on regular copper fittings because that will prevent overheating of the fittings and actually makes the process quicker.
Good to know about the lead free aspects. Ive always heated the pipe more, never wanting to cook the internals of the valve
I am so glad that you opened up the solder joints for us to see what the coverage was it was very enlightening. A lot of instructors would not waste their time but you my friend go the extra mile for your students. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
You are most welcome Eugene!!! 🤗🤗🤗
I've watched dozens of videos on this tonight, and yours is by far the best!! The animations are amazing!
Thanks Eric 😇😇😇
Installing a water softener and just checking some vids to refresh me as I am a DIYer and I must say this presentation was concise and thorough with no filler! Great stuff. Subbed and liked!
Great tutorial videos - thank you very much! I'm a DIY-er, but have limited experience in plumbing. Thanks to your instruction, I completed a plumbing modification with 34 sweat joints and 2 new isolation valves - no leaks, and no damage to the valve seats. Couldn't have done it without your excellent guidance.
This was a fantastic video and extremely informative. I really liked your 'exploded' cut-away sectionals of the pipe and valve portions showing coverage within the connection.
Thank you very much!!!
Just super grateful for vast wealth of plumbing knowledge! Thank you brother.
I’ve also watched many soldering videos and yours are by far the best. Thorough, but not too much information. Just the right amount. There really is not substitute for experience, and since I only solder with occasional problems or new water heater installation, I have to review every time I have a new project. Someone with no experience should practice a few times on cheapest fittings they can find and be prepared to fail a time or two with valves before you get it right. Thanks for the excellent videos!
Great content! I have always felt that I didn't know how to solder. After watching this video I will have more faith in my work!. ❤ Thank you!
Excellent video as always. Oatey No.95 is my favorite flux as well. Especially for shutoff valves or extremely tights spaces.
You cannot call yourself a master, unless you’re willing to say that there’s always something more to learn. We learn until we die. Ive been in this industry for almost 10 years now, and it wouldn’t matter if it were 100 years. I am always looking to improve my work, so big shout out to you brother. Keep up the good work, your videos are solid!
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Thank you so much for all these videos. Soldered some joints for the first time today. Took out a stubout, added a cap and a copper to PEX adapter. Pressurized to see exactly where it had a pinhole leak. Wanted to inspect and think there are several ares of horizontal sections that need or be repaired.
Always informative, clear and concise, thank you.
Most welcome!!
Agree with all the positive comments. I wish I’d had you as a teacher decades ago when I started soldering pipes! Keep it up.
Thanks 👍
Outstanding - got it. I appreciate learning about the lower temp 410F solder and torching away from the valve center. KZhead video is just what the doctor ordered; live and learn all the time.
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Your videos are incredibly high quality. Thank you for your efforts!
You are most welcome!
You have the most well thought out and informative videos, thank you
Thank you so much Jed, really appreciate it!!!
From videos I’ve watched on this, yours is by far the best on every aspect. Excellent, my friend 👍🏼
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thanks for making these vids. I always click like before I even watch it because I know you always make good, educational content.
So nice of you, thank you so much man 🤘🤘🤘
It’s a good point to share the flame away from the valve I learned something new today thanks 🤩
No problem 👍 please share if you can, thanks Eddy!!
just used this technique this weekend on a rerouting of hot and cold, put in the shut offs using your method and worked flawless. You saved me time and headache. Appreciate you passing on your knowledge. Best instruction on you tube for sure.
Glad it helped, thank you so much for letting me know :)
Great video! Thanks for covering what to buy, and then showing the proper soldering technique, and what precautions to follow.
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I am glad I searched your videos and found this. My house was built in 1962 and has the old shut offs with the handle the same as outdoor faucets and do not shut off properly plus some of them leak through the seal on the shaft when turned on or off. Thanks for another great video.
Awesomeeee!!!
Awesome video - I am just a DIY person & these valves were a challenge to solder. By accident I managed to use the steps you recommended except I did not think of using the low heat flux. I will make sure to get some for next time.
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*Your channel delivers.* After trying to watch a few other pipe-soldering videos, I keep coming back here and shaking my head at how awful they all are! This content is super-helpful. Thanks ;)
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Agreed, the other vids were pretty bad compared to this one.
@dustman96 😇👍
This was fantastic. Rather than take any risk with the two Gate Valves I was about to install, I ordered more tinning flux and low temp solder.
what a treat to see this pop up in the feed! always a ton of work you do on these and super informative. Toujours impressionnant et agréable.
Merci Thor, j'apprecie vraiment, passe une belle journee mon ami!!
I just replaced all of the galvanized plumbing in my house with copper last week. Thanks for all of your tips. I had a couple leaks (didn’t get full coverage in the joints) but I knew why and how to fix them thanks to your videos.
That is awesome!
Your videos are simply the best out there. I am about to solder 3 ball valves for whole house filter. I am glad I found this as now I will buy the Sterling solder. I already switched to tinning solder a while back and love it. Interesting some of these ball valves have no packing nut anymore.
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Your videos are always the best - You out do yourself. Thank you for the great presentations
So nice of you!!!
This video was well done, very informative, Thank you.
We learned a lot in soldering methods
Very interesting and thanks for sharing such a good video. Your video is so convincing that I never stop myself from saying something about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up.
Thank you so much Juliee 🤗
I haven't done any soldering for a long time, it is good to see this so I can keep up, just in case.
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You are so right viewer. Products and techniques change in the wink of an eye. What was a common procedure from 'your' last plumbing repair/install from as little as 6 months ago, can be outdated and even substandard today.
Your discription are wonderful and detailed, I agree with the others here, you make an excellent tutor.
Thanks a million Simon, have a great day 🤗🤗🤗
I wish I saw this video before installing my water heater. I had a swing check valve that leaked. I couldn't figure out why is was so much more difficult to solder then the standard joints. I really appreciate your quick and to the point vids.
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Gotta say I always learn something from your videos. Thanks for posting.
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I was just about ready to solder my 1/2" Cu Ball Valve, but stopped and said to myself "Do a quick reminder of the best practices by listening to your fav CA plumber on KZhead". Glad I did! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
You are most welcome 🙏
Really love your clarity man.
Thank you so much Richard!
I am replacing my traditional hot water heater with a tankless hot water heater. I have to replace some of the 3/4 inch copper pipes and adding two new valves. I have watched so many of your videos and they are the best on KZhead. Thank you so much my friend and keep up the good work. I liked and subbed so I don't miss out on future videos.
Awesomeeee, good luck on the swap 🤜🤛
Thanks for the plumbing videos and illustrations. Lead free meaning no lead solder, pipe, and fittings are the only type to use on potable water lines!☺
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You are top notch! Great videos and thanks for all your time you put in.
Thank you soooo much!!!
Thank you for this and all your videos! This hits the nail on the head of what my problem was with these valves. Run 80 ft of copper, stop counting at, 70 joints only leaks at these dumb valves. The irony is I put the valves in in case I got a leak in the other plumbing. Converting bedroom in 55 year old house into full master bath, 7 fixtures. Thanks again for your videos, you are the, Coppergod!
😇 thank you so much Chris!!!
Thanks for posting this video. Very helpful!!!
It looks easy but keep in mind guys that this take time to get good at, that dude KNOWS how to braze properly !
Thanks Etienne 😏
except he's not brazing. He's soldering
This is soft solder.
Yes this is not brazing, brazing is anything over 842°f.
we used to cut the joints on the bias to check capillary flow. A thin silver line around the entire cut confirms a good joint. great video!
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I certainly learned more than I thought I would. Great video for all home owner diy'ers. Products and techniques change in the wink of an eye. What was a common procedure from 'your' last plumbing repair/install from as little as 6 months ago, can be outdated and even substandard today.
Awesomeeeee super happy to hear that!!!
This is VERY useful information!! Thank you for posting.
My pleasure, please share if you don't mind it, cheers Lou!!
You always do a good Job with your videos I've learn alot but theres some stuff like soldering i wish i could actually do with someone teaching like you said it takes time.
This is super helpful stuff for us DIY’ers!
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Always a very instructional and educational video bro. I do understand the reason for moving away from lead, but it sure was easier to use.
Yeah lead is SOOOO much easier to work with, it just comes at a price (our health) and it's a good thing that companies are starting to make a move, thank you so much Viper6, passe une belle journee!!!
Parenthesis noted. Maybe just elabourate how this job and you are babies.
Excellent instruction as always! I'm amazed that you soldered with the handle cover on - I fried one once years ago (first time, overheating like a greenhorn) and now I always remove them before sweating. Once bitten, twice shy! Thanks again!
You can put a copper pipe over the handle to protect it while soldering ;)
THANK YOU!!! I had tried to solder the valve two times before finding your video. The big thing that helped was the low temp solder and flux with solder. Also the angle of your torch is a great tip. So far my join does not have a leak.
Excellent!!!
Awesome video animations, very informative and great tips! Amazing work!
Thank you so much John 🤩🤩🤩
Wow thanks for sharing dude! You're a good educator because you don't just say do it because i said so like some tradesmen. I appreciate your thoroughness.
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Very helpful information!!!.....I appreciate the great content. 👍 👍
You are the Man! I’m a retired old school son of a plumber and had a torch in my hand before I could ride a bike. I help out family on the usual home plumbing and these values have been driving me crazy with leaks. I changed out my flux and solder, used your technique and bam! No leaks. Thanks so much, glad I came across your channel. Keep up the good work.
Awesomeeee, thank you so so much!!!
Great endorsement!!
The technique you used in this video are exactly the the way i have been soldering for 35 years , it's more or less common sense . I have never burnt a valve up due to improper heat position ! But glad you've put it out there for others to see !
Thank you sooo much Kenneth!!
Common sense isn’t that common anymore…
Not the first time I’ve said this but it’s worth repeating; THANK YOU!!!!
You are most welcome!!!!!!
Exceptional instruction, great video production. Thank you!
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Good tip. I especially like your suggestion on matching the length of solder to pipe diameter. I tend to be a heavy solderer.
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Thanks for the lesson. The guys in my company had trouble when the new ball valves came out.
Yeah we all did hehe, thanks Jim!
You videos have been great with plumbing DIYs!
Wow, thank you!
I always learned new skills from you. Keep them coming.
Glad to hear it!
It's a good day. I learned something new. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Congrats I like how you explain everything. Good video.
You are most welcome, please share if you can, it helps the channel tremendously ✌✌
Great Mentor Thank you
Your videos are excellent! Thank you.
So nice of you, thank you so so much!!!
Good Video with good explanation and tips. Keep up the good work.
Glad you liked it!
Excellent presentation. A plumbing pipe industry tutorial on soldering lead-free fittings suggested another best practice is following the solder around the joint with the torch flame to ensure better flow and coverage. Hard to do near a wall stud! I had six leaks on a half dozen soldered copper fittings installing new water supply pipes! Yes, I am a carpenter.
Always more difficult doing so in a wall, cheers!!!
@Leopold no experience with that type of piping, but pretty sure it's soldered/brazed the same way.
Very good video. Animation is a kind of professional one. The explanation of kind of fluxes was very important
Glad you liked it!
It looks easy till I have tried it. Your skill is on next level. Hats off sir.
Thanks a lot, you'll get it don't worry!
I wish I had found this video yesterday, I spend a full roll and I couldn't figure out why why was it so difficult😭? Thanks for the videos👍
Thanks for the information...it’s good that I was doing it the right way...I also like the lead free flux cause it’s just works better..
You are most welcome, please share if you can, it helps the channel tremendously ✌✌
Great video! Thanks.
When i solder plumbing joints, more so with horizontal joints, i tend to leave a little half drip under the joint. I use about a 1/4” to 3/4” extra solder per joint. Thanks for the tips on the LF valves.
always good and detailed information... great source
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Excellent video, thanks for teaching us this.
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
GREAT video! As usual, very well done. This an example of "smart" plumbing. Meanwhile, I'm over at the Sharkbite shut off valves. . .
😆😆😆 thanks man!
Great, thanks, especially about your comments about the valve seal and the initial heating of the copper pipe & the positioning of the torch (and damp cloth wrap tip); thereafter, so as to not compromise the plastic seal.
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Thank you, don't forget to share, it really helps the channel!
great video !! Where was this in 2014 When i was learning !!! i blew out many seals improper heating or over heating the valves !! $$ AWESOME VIDEO 100% RECOMMEND!
Right on!!!
Great video with proving the method worked!
Glad it helped, thanks Heath!
Awesome information! Great vid.
You are most welcome, please share if you can, it helps the channel tremendously ✌✌
Great video 😊🙏🏼👍🏼
You should do a video on soldering a ball valve in the open and closed position, then see what the difference is. Great video!
Great idea ;)
Top notch channel Great videos
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I like the way to explain and give results ❤
Thank you! 🙂
Great teacher,...well done!
Wow, thank you!!!!
Dude you're awesome you teach me so much
Happy to hear that, thanks for your comment Rob!!
Your videos are the best
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Thanks for your videos, very helpful. I watched this one about 5 times prior to installing a bypass for my new water softener. It’s appreciated.
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Thank you. Very informative
You are most welcome!
Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much!!!!
You're the best. Thanks!
You're welcome!!!!
Very informative video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I wish I watch this 2 weeks ago. I just changed out one of these ball valves and ran into a week at after I got done with it. I still need to go back and deal with it but I got my hands full out there that is far from the biggest problem. That's actually the smallest problem