Installing End Feed Fittings - A Comprehensive Guide

End Feed fittings are a popular choice for plumbers and DIY enthusiasts due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. These fittings are commonly used in domestic and commercial plumbing systems, providing a secure, leak-proof connection when installed correctly. This guide will walk you through the process of installing End Feed fittings, covering the preparation, which tools are required, step-by-step instructions, and best practices to ensure a professional result every time.

End Feed

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What Are End Feed Fittings?

End Feed fittings are copper fittings that rely on a soldered capillary action to create a strong joint between a copper pipe and the fitting itself. Unlike Solder Ring fittings, End Feed fittings do not come with pre-installed solder; the installer must manually apply solder during the heating process to secure the joint.

Advantages of End Feed Fittings

• Cost-Effective: Due to the simplicity of End Feed fittings, they are typically less expensive than other choices, making them an economical choice for plumbing projects.

• Versatile: End Feed fittings have stood the test of time and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including hot and cold water systems, heating systems, and gas installations.

• Compact Design: The slim, unobtrusive design of End Feed fittings allows for installation in tight spaces where larger fittings may not be suitable.

Installing End Feed Fittings

Preparing Your Copper Pipe

Proper preparation of the pipes and fittings is crucial for a successful soldered joint. Follow these steps to ensure a strong connection:

Equipment

Tools

• Pipe Cutter
• Deburring Tool
• Hand Protection

Supplies

• Copper Pipe

Installation Steps

Cut Your Pipe To Size

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

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

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

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 Onto Copper Pipe

Once your pipes and fittings are prepared, you can proceed with the 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Installation Best Practices and Tips

• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
  Soldering releases fumes, so ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling potentially harmful gases.

• Keep Naked Flames Away from Flammable Materials
  Always be mindful of your surroundings when using a torch. Keep the flame away from flammable materials, such as insulation, wood, and paper, to prevent accidental fires. Use a heat shield or fire-resistant cloth if necessary to protect nearby surfaces.

• Use Lead-Free Solder
  For potable water systems, always use lead-free solder to ensure safe drinking water.

• Practice Proper Heating Techniques
  Uneven heating can cause the solder to flow improperly, leading to weak joints. Practice moving the torch steadily around the joint for the best results.

• Inspect the Finished Joint
  After cleaning, visually inspect the joint for any gaps, voids, or areas without solder. If in doubt, reheat and reapply solder to ensure a complete seal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the Joint
  Applying too much heat can burn the flux and prevent proper solder adhesion.

• Bad Preparation of the Pipe
  Failing to clean the pipe and fitting surfaces thoroughly can result in weak joints that are prone to leaks.

• Excess Flux Application
  Using too much flux can cause internal corrosion and weaken the system over time.

  Read Now

  Flux Induced Pitting: Causes, Risks, and How to Prevent It

Wrapping Up

Installing End Feed fittings is a straightforward process that, when done correctly, provides a reliable and durable connection in plumbing systems. By carefully preparing your pipes and fittings, applying the correct techniques during soldering, and following best practices, you can achieve professional-quality joints that stand the test of time. Whether you’re working on a new installation or repairing existing pipework, mastering the installation of End Feed fittings will enhance your plumbing skills and ensure successful results.