• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DIY Doctor

Main navigation

      • Project Type A - E
      • All Projects
      • Brick, Block, Masonry and Concrete
      • Damp, Condensation, Rot and Woodworm
      • Doors, Windows and Conservatories
      • Electrical
      • Project Type F - G
      • Fencing, Decking, Paving and Patios
      • Floors, Walls, Ceilings and Lofts
      • Garages, Sheds and Outbuildings
      • Gardening and Landscaping
      • General Building, Self Build and Renovation
      • Project Type G - J
      • General Repairs and Cleaning
      • Green Living and Eco DIY
      • Ground, Foundations and Drainage
      • Heating, Central Heating and Boilers
      • Joinery and Carpentry
      • Project Type M - P
      • Materials, Fixings and Fixing
      • Painting, Decorating and Finishing
      • Planning Regs, Project Management and Safety
      • Plastering, Plasterboard and Rendering
      • Plumbing
      • Project Type R - T
      • Roofing and Gutters
      • Tiling and Tiles
      • Tools, Appliances and Access
      • Useful Tips
      • DIY Tips
      • Find a Tradesman
      • Contract Download
      • Working With Tradesmen - Ultimate Guide
      • Home Improver Protection
      • Price Doctor
      • About DIY Doctor
      • What we do
      • Trade Shows and Exhibitions
      • Master Classes
      • Book Store
      • Contact Us
      • Feedback
      • DIY Competitions

Home > DIY How To Projects and Tutorial Guides > How to Solder Copper Pipe Fittings

How to Solder Copper Pipe Fittings

How to make soldered pipe joints that will last. Learn how to use Yorkshire or End Feed fittings (or joints) to join copper pipes using solder. Learn the difference between Yorkshire joints and End Feed fitting and when they should be used.

TwitterFacebookPin ItBuffer

Don't want to do this job yourself? Let us help you find a tradesman local to you

Project Page Menu
  • How to Tutorial
  • Video
  • Find Tradesmen
  • Help

There are two types of fitting to make a soldered pipe joint, one which comes with a ring of solder already inside each end of the fitting, called a Yorkshire fitting, and the other, an end feed fitting.

Copper end feed tap connectors

Copper end feed tap connectors

These connectors simply screw up to the tap after the pipes have been soldered into them

Copper Yorkshire fitting showing solder rings

Copper Yorkshire fitting showing solder rings

Soldered joints make a neat, tidy job but require a little practice and total cleanliness to "make" properly. If in doubt, compression joints, although bulkier, are easier to manage for the DIY’er.

Cleaning all fittings well using wire wool

Cleaning all fittings well using wire wool

First clean both the pipe and the fitting, inside and out, with wire wool until it is bright and shiny.

Applying flux to both sections of copper pipe to remove oxide

Applying flux to both sections of copper pipe to remove oxide

You will then need to apply a liberal amount of flux to both the pipe and the fitting.

Flux is a paste, which when activated by heat, removes oxides from the surface of the metal promoting fusion between the surfaces.

Use a small, clean brush to apply the flux.

Dry fit all copper pipework together in it's completed state

Dry fit all copper pipework together in it’s completed state

Then "dry fit" as much of the pipework together as you can, place all the pieces together where you want them and remember, with Yorkshire fittings you cannot just heat one end of the joint.

The heat will travel to the other end and melt the solder ring. This will make it impossible to connect to later on.

The picture below is of a plumbers heat mat that can be placed below or around fittings so that they can be heated (as explained below)

Plumbers soldering mat

Plumbers soldering mat

Heating the fittings and pipework using a blow torch

Heating the fittings and pipework using a blow torch

Using a lead free wire solder and a protection mat heat the joint with a blow lamp until, with a Yorkshire fitting, you can see bright ring of solder appearing between the fitting and the pipe.

With an end feed fitting, touch the solder stick to the joint until it melts on contact. Then run the wire round the joint for as much of it as you can get to.

The solder will melt at approximately 180°C, so it gets pretty hot!

Remove the heat when the solder starts to melt.

The application of solder is still a good idea with Yorkshire fittings to be absolutely sure of a good joint.

Make sure you have a damp rag handy, and after a few seconds, to allow the solder to set, carefully wipe the joint round. This will cool it and clean it.

All project content written and produced by Mike Edwards, founder of DIY Doctor and industry expert in building technology.

TwitterFacebookPin ItBuffer

Video

Back to the Top

Find a Reliable Local Tradesman

Back to the Top
Don't fancy doing this project yourself? We work with the industries best to ensure that we recommend only reliable and trustworthy tradesmen.
Let DIY Doctor help you find a tradesman

Find a tradesman now!


More Help

Back to the Top
Related Projects That May Help You:
  • How to Bend Copper Pipe
  • Different Ways to Cut Copper Pipe and What Tools to Use
  • Repairing a Burst Pipe – How to Mend Damaged Pipes
  • Copper Compression Joints
  • Boxing in Pipes – How to Box and Hide Pipes
Give us Some Feedback!

We love feedback on our DIY tutorials it helps us to make them the best they possibly can be so if you have any comments you would like to share with us, click the button below and let us know.

Primary Sidebar

Master Basic DIY - By DIY Doctor

Our Book - Master Basic DIY

Grab your copy now for all the DIY help you need right at your finger tips!

Buy it Here!

Signup for our Newsletter

Keep up to date with our DIY projects, tips and latest deals

Sign Me Up!

Our Sponsors

Find out about advertising on DIY Doctor

Advertisments

Other Similar Projects
  • How To Box In Copper Pipes
  • How And When To Use Copper Compression Joints
  • How To Cut Copper Pipe
  • How To Bend Copper Pipe
  • How To Repair A Burst Pipe

Footer

DIY Doctor company logo

Here at DIY Doctor, we offer completely free DIY and construction help and advice to any and all, from professional tradesmen, exactly as they would do it.

We have hundreds of DIY project tutorials covering all aspects of building and DIY that provide step by step instructions on how to complete your given task.

If you need a little help then we also have an active question and answer forum and a find a trademan service and much more.

Site Menu

  • DIY Doctor Ltd,
    The Workshop,
    Newbury Works, Somerset,
    BA3 5RX

  • 0845 6342 179

  • Contact Us

  • Company Number: 05863375
  • VAT Number: 811134774

Other Stuff

  • About DIY Doctor
  • Contact DIY Doctor
  • Media and Press
  • DIY Projects
  • UK DIY Forum
  • DIY Doctor Suppliers
  • DIY Webinars

DIY Doctor Social Channels

  • Advertise
  • Competitions
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Information
  • NHIC
  • Sitemap

DIY Doctor are members of:

© DIY Doctor Ltd 2025 All Rights Reserved