Clean and Sand Surfaces

What happens here

Although some fittings might seem clean from the manufacturer, it's a best practice to always clean them thoroughly. Take an abrasive material, such as sandpaper or an abrasive cloth, and vigorously sand both the exterior surface of the copper pipe end and the interior socket of the copper fitting. Continue sanding until both surfaces are bright and shiny, removing any oxidation, dirt, or residues that could interfere with the soldering process. This step is crucial for achieving a strong, leak-proof solder joint.

Goal: Prepare copper pipe and fitting surfaces for optimal solder adhesion by removing oxidation and contaminants.