who sells solar water heaters?

[EightFingers]

Lot more to soldering copper than "Just up the joint and the solder will get sucked in.". Tne joints need to be CLEAN and then fluxed. Also, people tend to overheat the joint and while it may not leak at the time, it will fail eventually.
Still, the pros make it look easy, don't they?

[tada]

So you should apply flame and solder at the same time? must be missing something.

[bystander]

I was thinking that automobile heater hose could be used instead of copper pipe if only temporarily.

[EightFingers]

tada,
Heat the joint then when the flux starts to burn off apply the solder. If it's heated enough, you don't need to keep the flame on the joint while applying the solder. I'm ssuming you're using 1/2" or maybe 3/4" pipe?
ETA:
My basic point was to say the parts need to be clean, and I should add they need to be dry, if you're working on an existing installation.
It's so much easier for me to show someone in person how it's done that type it out!

[ericlp]

yes... I know clean the parts well emery cloth your goal is nice shinny copper, dry em and use plenty flux ... As soon as the flux starts to bubble take the flame away or at least just fan the bottom while starting to solder the joint. Yes, you can tell am armature from the black singed copper fittings.

Plenty of vids on Youtube.

[tada]

Mahalo right now I don't have to worry about water. Still gotta do the electrical and I'm on Oahu 11 months out of the year for familial obligations. I was thinking that flux was a de-oxidizer?- I'll look it up.[:o)]

[vickichan114]

You can try Amazon to find it. Sometimes, I would find many things by the local websites.

[PauHana]

UH use to have an energy extension agent. They had several types of plans to hand out, and would explain how to make your own system. Someone complained they were not getting their cut and it stopped.
The system I made in 1982 is still going strong, no leaks or problems. Only the wooden boxes for the panels have had to be replaced.