My bathtub cut in valve needs replaced,but it‘s soldered in place.I bought a disposable propane torch,but it‘s not liquifying the solderDo I need an acetylene torch,or stick with propane,and buy a larger can;Because the little disposable torch ran out of propane with no success.tHaNx!
Propane will work just fine. IF the pipe is NOT full of water. If the pipe is full of water the water will absorb all the heat before the solder melts. Turn off the water to the entire house. Open the valves at the tub and then open the valves at the lowest point in the house. This will allow the water to flow out of the pipe you are working on. If the valve that needs replacing is below the level of the valves that can drain the line then you will have to cut the pipe right near the valve and let the water drain out into a bucket. If that is the case you have to replace the valve and at least one piece of pipe (or add a coupling where you cut it).
When i was a landlord, anytime i ran into old soldered pipe, i would cut the pipe back and clean the old copper, and start with new soldered joints.
very confusing subject. research on yahoo and bing. it might help!
