5
from oxidation and aiding the flow of filler
metal, brazing flux serves to indicate the
temperature of the metal. Without flux it
would be almost impossible to know when the
base metal reaches the correct
Fluxes are produced in powder, paste, and
liquid form. Many different types of flux are
commercially available for use with various
base metals and filler rods. When brazing
copper, it is important to select a flux that is
compatible with the filler metal being used. For
small jobs, powdered flux is often preferred
because it will adhere to a heated brazing
rod. Preheat the rod and stick it into the
powdered flux. When the base metal is
aluminum, brazing must take place at a lower
temperature.
Supplying Heat
Brazed copper joints are made at a temper-
ature of 1400°F (760°C) or higher. An oxyacety-
lene torch, as shown in Figure 9-11, is
commonly used instead of a propane torch
because of the higher temperatures required.
Correct torch tip size and the appropriate
oxygen and acetylene regulator settings for
various pipe and fitting diameters are listed in
Figure 9-12. For example, to braze 1⁄2″ or 3⁄4″
pipe, a No. 5 torch tip is recommended. This tip
requires an oxygen pressure of 5 psi and an
acetylene pressure of 5 psi.
Brazing Procedure
1. Clean, flux, and assemble the joint(s) to be
brazed.
2. Assemble the correct tip on the torch.
3. Make sure the regulator valves are closed.
Open the tank valve. At this point, the pres-
sure gauge on the oxygen tank may read as
much as 2000 psi. The acetylene tank pres-
sure gauge may read up to 250 psi. A regu-
lator is shown in Figure 9-13.
4. With the valves on the torch closed, adjust
the regulator valve to the correct setting
(refer to Figure 9-12).
5. Open the acetylene torch valve 1∕4 turn. Hold
the torch away from you and away from any
flammable material. Light the gas with a
spark lighter.
150
Section 1 Introduction to Plumbing
Figure 9-11. An oxyacetylene torch unit can effi-
ciently provide the higher temperature necessary for
brazing. (Goss Inc.)
When using a welding torch, always wear
welding goggles and protective clothing. Shut
off tank valves when finished. “Think Safety!”
Safety Note
Figure 9-12. This table of oxyacetylene torch tip sizes
and regulator settings is suggested for brazing various
size pipes and fittings. Pressures are not standardized
for oxyacetylene units.
Rod Pipe and
Tip size size fitting dia.
(No.) Oxygen Acetylene (inches) (inches)
4 4 4 3∕32 1∕4–3∕8
5 5 5 1∕8 1∕2–3∕4
6 6 6 3∕16 1–11∕4
7 7 7 1∕4 11∕2–2
8 8 8 5∕16 2–21∕2
9 9 9 3∕8 3–31∕2
10 10 10 7∕16 4–6
Gas pressure
regulator settings
Figure 9-13. A regulator for controlling oxygen and
acetylene pressure. (Goss Inc.)
the plumber. There are three common types:
the try square, the combination square, and the
framing square.
The try square, Figure 2-6, can be
purchased with a 6″ or 12″ blade. The combina-
tion square, Figure 2-7, is equipped with a 12″
blade that can be moved through a head. This
head can measure 90° and 45° angles. The
framing square, Figure 2-8, has a 24″ blade
and a 16″ tongue.
54of
Section 1 Introduction
Figure 2-4. A folding wood rule can be carried in a pocket, where it is always handy. It is sometimes called a
“zigzag” or an extension rule. (CooperTools)
Figure 2-5. A plumber’s folding rule. The side with
vertical inch markings is shown at the top. A 45° scale
is shown at the bottom. (Stanley Tools)
Figure 2-6. The try square has a 6″ metal blade and
metal or wood stock. (Stanley Tools)
Figure 2-7. A combination square has a sliding head
and a scriber for marking metal. (The Ridge Tool Co.)
Figure 2-8. A framing square is used for measuring,
squaring, and marking cuts to be made on walls and
partitions. (Stanley Tools)
Use care in handling a square. Dropping it
or striking it against another object could
change the angle between the blade and the
head or tongue.You should also protect it from
rusting, so that the scales remain readable.temperature.
Professional Tip
Test Your Knowledge
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Do not write in this book.
1. Name three basic types of lavatories.
2. A lavatory or sink _____ is used to support
a ledge-type sink or lavatory.
A. bracket
B. hanger
C. pedestal
D. post
3. Bathtubs are made from _____.
A. enameled cast iron
B. enameled steel
C. fiberglass-reinforced plastic
D. All of the above.
4. Bathtubs are available in three standard
lengths. These lengths are _____.
A. 4′, 4′-6″, and 5′
B. 4′-6″, 5′, and 5′-6″
C. 5′, 5′-6″, and 6′
D. 5′-6″, 6′, and 6′-6″
5. Hot water is always controlled by the _____
faucet handle.
6. Name the three basic types of toilets.
7. Urinals are generally fitted with _____
valves.
A. ball
B. flush
C. gate
D. float
Suggested Activities
1. Study catalogs from several plumbing
fixture manufacturers to learn about the:
A. Variety of sinks and lavatories available
and how the rough-in dimensions may
vary.
B. Variety of toilets available and how
their rough-in dimensions may vary.
C. Different types of bathtubs and showers
available and how each installation may
differ.
2. Invite a sales representative to discuss the
merits the different types of
plumbingPlumbingto
fixtures.
3. Invite a plumbing maintenance contractor
to discuss the quality of various types of
plumbing fixtures.
Chapter 13 Plumbing Fixtures
211
Professional Tips. Provide supplemental
information and hints related to the components or
procedures discussed in the text.
Safety Notes. Identify procedures that can
result in personal injury or damage if the proper
safety measures are not followed.
Procedures. Present installation or repair
techniques in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step
format. Procedures help promote a logical
approach to common plumbing tasks.
Suggested Activities. Various tasks
designed to help the reader gain competance in
the trade.
Test Your Knowledge Questions. Designed
to reinforce the material covered in the chapter.