How to Install Capillary Fittings: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
End Feed and Solder Ring fittings are the most traditional of all the plumbing connections. Read here to learn how to use them.
Last Updated: Sep 2, 2024
Capillary fittings, including End Feed and Solder Ring fittings, are some of the most traditional plumbing connections used today. Whether you’re a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast, understanding how to properly install these fittings is crucial for creating secure and durable connections. This guide will take you through the process of installing both End Feed and Solder Ring fittings, with tips on preparation, equipment needed, and step-by-step instructions.
Capillary
Flowflex Capillary fittings are designed for precision and reliability in copper pipe connections. Featuring a capillary action for secure, leak-free joints, they ensure ease of installation and longevity. Ideal for domestic and commercial applications, these fittings provide a neat, robust, and corrosion-resistant solution for HVAC systems.
Preparing your Copper Pipe
Proper preparation of your copper pipe is essential to achieve a strong, leak-free connection. Start by ensuring the pipe is cut flat and perpendicular to its length. Deburring the ends and removing any debris is also critical for the integrity of the joint.
Equipment
Tools
- Pipe Cutter
- Deburring Tool
- Hand Protection
Supplies
- Copper Pipe
Installation Steps
Cut Your Pipe To Size
Cut your pipe cleanly across the tube diameter using a good quality pipe cutter or rotary pipe cutter.
Cut Your Pipe Accurately
It is important to ensure that the pipe ends are clean and cut square. Failure to do so could impact on the quality of your jointing. If your cut is not flat, or your pipe is too short, the pipe may not hit the pipe stop compromising the joint integrity. Too long and you may introduce strain into the whole system.
Clean The Socket Of The Pipe
Using your deburring tool, make sure the inside of the pipe is smooth and will not interfere with the flow.
Clean The Outside Of The Pipe
Clean the outside of the pipe, making sure that there is no pipe residue, dirt or grit is present near the joint. Failure to remove all oxides and any material where the fittings and tube overlap can interfere with the capillary action and thus will reduce the strength of the soldered joint, resulting in failure.
To the same effect, over zealous cleaning can result in too much material being removed, resulting in a loose fit and failure.
Installing End Feed Fittings
End Feed fittings require manual application of solder, making them slightly more complex than Solder Ring fittings, which come with pre-installed solder. Follow these steps to ensure a proper installation:
Equipment
Tools
- Flame
- Hand & Eye Protection
Supplies
- Copper Pipe
- End Feed Fittings
- Solder (EN ISO 9453) or Brazing Rod (EN ISO 17672)
- Flux
Installation Steps
Apply Flux
As soon as possible after cleaning, flux should be applied sparingly to the inside of the fitting and also the outside of the pipe at the point of overlap. This will help the capillary action and induce a stronger joint.
Assemble
Insert the tube into the fitting until the pipe reaches the base of the pipe stop. A small twist can also be applied to ensure even coverage of the flux. At this point, excess flux should be wiped away using a rag.
Before proceeding to the next step, a uniform space around the circumference of the joint should be sought to allow for good capillary action. Excessive space can lead to cracking of the solder.
Heating
When heating, the entire circumference of the fitting should be heated evenly. It is recommended that you preheat the pipe and the fitting before applying direct heat.
Do Not Overheat the Joint
Do not overheat the joint or direct the flame into the face of the fitting cup. Overheating could burn the flux, which will compromise its effectiveness and the solder will not enter the joint properly.
Apply Solder
Touch the joint with the solder. If the solder does not melt, take it away and continue heating. If the solder begins to melt, push the solder into the joint whilst continuing to heat the base of the joint.
Solder joints depend on capillary action to draw the free-flowing solder into the narrow clearance between the tube and the fitting. Molten solder metal is drawn into the joint due to the capillary action, regardless of whether the flow is upwards, downwards or horizontal.
Cooling And Cleaning
You should allow the joint to cool naturally. Cooling the joint forcefully could stress the joint.
When cool, remove any excess flux and residue with a wet rag.
Larger fittings require brazing instead of soldering. Brazing requires the same steps as above, but Brazing Rod must be used instead of Solder. Typically the Fitting will need to be heating to a much higher temperature also.
Installing Solder Ring Fittings
Solder Ring fittings simplify the process by having pre-installed solder, making installation quicker and more straightforward. Here’s how to install them:
Equipment
Tools
- Flame
- Hand & Eye Protection
Supplies
- Flux
- Flowflex Solder Ring Fittings
- Copper Pipe
Installation Steps
Apply Flux
As soon as possible after cleaning, flux should be applied sparingly to the inside of the fitting and also the outside of the pipe at the point of overlap. This will help the capillary action and induce a stronger joint.
Assemble
Insert the tube into the fitting until the pipe reaches the base of the pipe stop. A small twist can also be applied to ensure even coverage of the flux. At this point, excess flux should be wiped away using a rag.
Before proceeding to the next step, a uniform space around the circumference of the joint should be sought to allow for good capillary action. Excessive space can lead to cracking of the solder.
Heating
When heating, the entire circumference of the fitting should be heated evenly. It is recommended that you preheat the pipe and the fitting before applying direct heat.
Do Not Overheat the Joint
Do not overheat the joint or direct the flame into the face of the fitting cup. Overheating could burn the flux, which will compromise its effectiveness and the solder will not enter the joint properly.
Cooling And Cleaning
You should allow the joint to cool naturally. Cooling the joint forcefully could stress the joint.
When cool, remove any excess flux and residue with a wet rag.
Conclusion
Installing capillary fittings, whether End Feed or Solder Ring, requires attention to detail, the right tools, and proper techniques to ensure a strong and reliable joint. By following the outlined steps, you can achieve professional-quality installations every time. For more high-quality products, explore our End Feed and Solder Ring fitting ranges, designed to meet all your plumbing needs with ease and precision.
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