Prepare Copper Pipe for Soldering

What happens here

Wear safety glasses and work gloves for this step. Use a fitting brush to thoroughly clean the outside surface of the copper pipe extension. Then, use a smaller wire brush to clean the inside of the male adapter and the end of the copper pipe. The goal is to remove any oxidation or grime to ensure good adhesion for the solder. After cleaning, apply a thin, even coat of lead-free paste flux (like No-Corrode Regular Paste Flux) to the outside of the copper pipe and the inside of the male adapter. Avoid using too much flux, as excess can run down the pipe and cause issues. Any excess flux can be wiped off with a gloved hand or a clean rag. The previous installer's poor attempt at a slip-on connection indicates why a proper soldered male adapter is preferred.

Goal: Clean the copper pipe thoroughly, both inside and out, and apply flux to ensure a strong solder joint.