705.3 Copper or Copper Alloy Pipe (DWV) and Joints

Joints. Joining methods for copper or copper alloy pipe and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall comply with Section 705.3.1 through Section 705.3.4.

705.3.1 Brazed Joints. Brazed joints between copper or copper alloy pipe and fittings shall be made with brazing alloys having a liquid temperature above 1000°F (538°C). The joint surfaces to be brazed shall be cleaned bright by either manual or mechanical means. Piping shall be cut square and reamed to full inside diameter. Brazing flux shall be applied to the joint surfaces where required by manufacturer’s recommendation. Brazing filler metal shall conform to AWS A5.8 and shall be

applied at the point where the pipe or tubing enters the socket of the fitting.

705.3.2 Mechanical Joints. Mechanical joints in copper or copper alloy piping shall be made with a mechanical coupling with grooved end piping or approved joint designed for the specific application.

705.3.3 Soldered Joints. Soldered joints between copper or copper alloy pipe and fittings shall be made in accordance with ASTM B828 with the following sequence of joint preparation and operation as follows: measuring and cutting, reaming, cleaning, fluxing, assembly and support, heating, applying the solder, cooling, and cleaning. Pipe shall be cut square and reamed to the full inside diameter including the removal of burrs on the outside of the pipe. Surfaces to be joined shall be cleaned bright by manual or mechanical means. Flux shall be applied to pipe and fittings and shall conform to ASTM B813, and shall become noncorrosive and nontoxic after soldering. Insert pipe into the base of the fitting and remove excess flux. Pipe and fitting shall be supported to ensure a uniform cap

illary space around the joint. Heat shall be applied using air or fuel torch with the flame perpendicular to the pipe using acetylene or an LP gas. Preheating shall depend on the size of the joint. The flame shall be moved to the fitting cup and alternate between the pipe and fitting. Solder conforming to ASTM B32 shall be applied to the joint surfaces until capillary action draws the molten solder into the cup. Joint surfaces shall not be disturbed until cool, and any remaining flux residue shall be cleaned. 705.3.4 Threaded Joints. Threaded joints for copper or copper alloy pipe shall be made with pipe threads that comply with ASME B1.20.1. Thread sealant tape or compound shall be applied only to male threads, and such material shall be approved types, insoluble in water, and nontoxic.