Now then, was wondering how far away from a plastic pushfit fitting it is feasable to solder, i have about a gap of about 6 inches of copper between the speedfit fitting and the fitting i want to solder, if this is a bit risky? I can use compression but soldering would look better Any thoughts??
Use a heat resistant mat especially designed to use between easily damage sorroundings. Mr. HandyAndy - Really
6 inches you should be ok, but dont keep the flame on the fitting to long, and cool it down with a water spray as soon as your done.
I have been in this situation several times. My solution is to wrap a wet (old!) tea cloth around the plastic fitting. Providing the cloth doesn't dry out the fitting can only reach a max of 100 Deg C. I'm assuming the plastic fitting and the solder job are on the same run of pipe. Mr. Handyandy seems to think its a different run of pipe - in which case his answer is correct! (but you can still use my method!) diymostthings
Yeah the fitting and the solder job are on the same run of pipe work, the only problem is there will be no acess to the plastic fitting as it is under the floor of the cylinder cupboard so i cant check when done to see if its melted the fitting!!!
Ah, i see. The same run. I would have suggested disconnecting the plastic fitting, but now you've said no access, can't do that. Mr. HandyAndy - Really
As far I am concerned its not the pushfit fittings that is at risk its the 'O' ring that may become overheated with both heat conductance along the length of copper (a damp cloth wrapped around close to the push fit may help) and the super heated gases that the soldering process generates, they will travel in both directions. could you not use 'Tectite' push-fit as a alternative to compression? they are made of copper and not too clunky in appearance. DH
speed fit tech say 450mm minimum from soldering area thats thats about 18 inch in real money, http://www.speedfit.co.uk/Home/Technical-Support/FAQ-s.aspx