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Question

Difficulty: EasyPlumbing and Pipe Materials

In residential plumbing systems, which type of pipe is assembled using a process known as "sweating," which involves applying flux, heating the fitting with a torch, and melting solder into the joint?

  1. A
    Schedule 40 PVC pipe
  2. Copper tubingAnswer
  3. C
    Black iron pipe
  4. D
    Galvanized steel pipe

Answer

Copper tubing is joined through soldering, a process commonly referred to as sweating.
Copper tubing is standard for domestic water supply lines and is connected to fittings using a soldering technique referred to in the trade as sweating. The copper is cleaned, coated with flux, heated with a propane or MAPP torch, and solder is drawn into the joint by capillary action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the joining method described in the question.
The method involves heating a cleaned joint with a torch, applying flux, and melting solder into the fitting socket via capillary action.
This thermal joining technique is specifically known in the plumbing trade as 'sweating' pipe.
2
Match the thermal soldering method to the appropriate piping material.
Copper tubing is the standard metal water supply line assembled with solder and flux.
Plastic pipes (such as PVC) melt from torch heat, while steel and iron pipes require threaded fittings or welding.

Key Concept

Copper pipe joining techniques and sweating solder joints
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Plumbing and Pipe Materials

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