Are pre soldered copper fittings better than not?

When installing copper pipes for plumbing or HVAC systems, there are two main options for joining the pipes and fittings – using fittings that are pre-soldered from the factory, or using unsoldered fittings that require soldering during installation. Both approaches have their pros and cons in terms of convenience, costs, and performance. This article examines the key factors to consider when deciding between pre-soldered and unsoldered copper fittings.

What are pre-soldered copper fittings?

Pre-soldered copper fittings, sometimes called sweat fittings, have solder pre-applied to the joints at the factory. This means the fittings only need to be assembled together on site – no soldering is required during installation. The solder is applied under controlled factory conditions to ensure correct coverage and optimal strength.

Here are some of the key features of pre-soldered copper fittings:

  • Come with solder pre-applied to the joint surfaces
  • Just need assembly, no soldering on site
  • Available in common sizes and configurations
  • Provide secure, consistent joints
  • Require heat and flux during assembly to melt the solder

What are unsoldered copper fittings?

Unsoldered copper fittings have no solder applied from the factory. The fittings must be manually soldered together on site by the installer. This involves cleaning and fluxing the joints, applying solder, and heating the joint with a torch to melt the solder and create the seal.

Key attributes of unsoldered copper fittings include:

  • Come with no solder applied
  • Must be manually soldered on site
  • Available in a wide range of sizes and shapes
  • Require skill and time for proper soldering
  • Joint quality depends on installer’s technique

So in summary, the main difference is that pre-soldered fittings need only assembly on site, while unsoldered fittings require full soldering during installation.

Cost Comparison

One of the biggest considerations when choosing between pre-soldered and unsoldered copper fittings is cost. There are upfront supply costs as well as labor costs to factor in.

Supply costs

Pre-soldered copper fittings have a higher upfront material cost compared to unsoldered fittings. This is because the cost of soldering during manufacturing gets built into the price of the pre-soldered fitting.

Some average price comparisons:

Fitting Pre-Soldered Price Unsoldered Price
1/2″ 90 degree elbow $2.50 $1.00
1″ coupling $5.50 $1.50
1/2″ tee $3.25 $1.25

So pre-soldered fittings typically cost 2-3x more than unsoldered fittings. This price premium is due to the added factory soldering.

Labor costs

While material costs are higher for pre-soldered fittings, this can be offset by reduced labor costs for installation. The time saved on not having to solder each joint adds up, especially for larger jobs.

Some estimates on soldering time saved:

Task Unsoldered Time Pre-Soldered Time
Solder 1/2″ fitting 2-3 mins 30 secs
Solder 1″ fitting 3-4 mins 45 secs
Solder average house (150 joints) 5-7 hours 1-2 hours

For a full house, choosing pre-soldered fittings could save nearly 5 hours of labor for soldering. When labor rates are factored in, this can make up for the higher material costs of pre-soldered fittings.

Ease of Installation

Beyond just cost savings, pre-soldered fittings can provide advantages in terms of installation convenience and ease.

The main steps for installing pre-soldered fittings are:

  1. Cut pipe to required length
  2. Deburr and clean pipe ends
  3. Apply flux to joint areas
  4. Assemble fittings and pipes together
  5. Use torch to heat joints till solder melts and flows
  6. Allow joints to cool and inspect solder flow

With unsoldered fittings, installers need to also complete these additional steps:

  1. Thoroughly clean joint areas with abrasive
  2. Apply flux to joint areas
  3. Heat joints with torch
  4. Feed solder into heated joints till it melts and flows
  5. Remove excess solder once joint is cooled

So there are extra steps of having to abrasively clean, apply solder, and remove excess solder when working with unsoldered fittings. This introduces more opportunities for errors and leaks compared to pre-soldered.

Factors making pre-soldered fittings easier to install correctly:

  • No need to manually apply solder – already done
  • Less cleaning/prep of joints required
  • No possibility of applying too much/too little solder
  • Consistent solder flow assured with factory application
  • Lower risk of leaks or defects

Joint Quality

In addition to ease of installation, choosing pre-soldered copper fittings can provide benefits in terms of leak-free, consistent joint quality.

Leak protection

Pre-soldered fittings provide reliable protection against leaks when installed correctly. The solder is applied under controlled factory conditions, ensuring complete coverage of the joint area. This minimizes the risk of poor joints leading to leaks.

In contrast, the quality of unsoldered joints relies heavily on the installer’s skill and diligence in applying the solder properly. Insufficient solder or incomplete coverage can result in weakened joints prone to leaking. Pre-soldered fittings eliminate this variables.

Consistent solder flow

The automated process of soldering fittings at the factory also provides consistent and optimal solder flow. Solder is able to penetrate and coat joint surfaces thoroughly.

For unsoldered fittings soldered by hand, the quality of solder flow can vary greatly depending on the installer’s technique. Pre-soldering provides reliable solder flow every time.

Inspection

With pre-soldered fittings, installers can easily inspect joints and confirm proper solder flow once assembly is complete.

Since unsoldered fittings have solder applied on-site, it can be difficult to visually inspect if solder fully penetrated and sealed the joint while assembled. Cracks or weak spots may not be identified until leaks occur.

Strength and Longevity

Properly soldered joints using either pre-soldered or unsoldered copper fittings can last for decades with no repairs needed. But pre-soldered fittings may have some advantages in terms of longevity and strength.

Optimal solder volume

The factory soldering process allows for precise control and application of the ideal solder volume. Too much or too little solder can impact joint strength. Unsoldered fittings depend on installers to apply the proper solder amount.

Uniform composition

Pre-soldering ensures uniform composition and impurities throughout the solder joint. This provides equal strength across the joint area. Hand soldering can potentially create weaknesses or voids in parts of the joint.

Less future failures

Reliable solder flow and penetration achieved with pre-soldered fittings means joints are less prone to develop weaknesses over time. Insufficient soldering with unsoldered fittings can allow deterioration and eventually, leaks or failures.

Proper installation is still vital for longevity with either fitting type. But pre-soldered joints offer optimal strength and consistency straight from the factory.

Availability and Options

In terms of availability, unsoldered copper fittings provide the most size and configuration options. Pre-soldered fittings are manufactured in high-volume standard sizes only.

Common pre-soldered fitting options

  • 90 degree elbows
  • 45 degree elbows
  • Couplings
  • Tees
  • Caps
  • Reducers

These cover most typical installation needs. But unsoldered fittings can offer more choice for specialized applications, like offset joints or uncommon diameters.

Alloys and materials

Pre-soldered fittings are primarily available in copper only. Some limited options exist in copper-nickel alloy.

Unsoldered fittings can be found in:

  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Copper-nickel
  • Chrome-plated

So unsoldered fittings provide more choices of alloys, finishes and materials for specific needs.

Conclusions

Pre-soldered copper fittings offer pros and cons compared to unsoldered fittings when it comes to costs, installation, quality, and availability.

Key Benefits of Pre-Soldered Fittings:

  • Can reduce plumbing labor costs
  • Require less installation steps
  • Ensure leak-free, consistent joint quality
  • Provide optimal joint strength and longevity

Benefits of Unsoldered Fittings:

  • Lower upfront material costs
  • Available in more sizes, alloys and configurations
  • Allow specialized custom joints

In many cases, the advantages of pre-soldered fittings in installation, quality, and reliability outweigh the higher costs. For larger plumbing projects, they can also reduce labor significantly.

However, unsoldered fittings provide the most flexibility for custom jobs. For non-standard joints or alloys, unsoldered fittings may be the better choice.

The optimal solution often depends on the specific needs and scope of a plumbing job. Both pre-soldered and unsoldered copper fittings remain popular, proven methods for pipe joining.