Joints (capillary)

Note: Capillary action is when a liquid flows in a narrow space without the affects of gravity influencing it.

The plumbing joint has been around for quite some time and can come indifferent forms, so here are two types of a joint called capillary which is a joint or connection that occurs by melting solder so that it runs into the join in an action called capillary and then cools, making a tight waterproof joint. There are a couple to talk about and below is a short description of them. Orpington Plumbers can solder joints.

Yorkshire.

Yorkshire joints are called self-soldering, incorporating a ring of solder inside the end of the fitting, and heated with a blow torch. Clean the end of the pipe on the inside the joint with some wire wool. Smooth a little flux paste inside the joint and on the end of the pipe. Put the joint together, making sure the pipe is home firmly. Make a small pencil mark so that you will know if there is any movement. Heat, both joint and pipe with a blow torch until you see a fine silver ring of solder where the pipe makes the joint. Use extra solder if you think it is required. An Orpington Plumber uses this type of joint.

End-feed.

End-feed joints need to have solder applied to them when hot to make the joint. Using solder and marking in the same kind of way as the Yorkshire joint. You’ll know when the temperature is right as the solder will melt and flow like water on the joint. Continue to dab the solder into the joint until you see it start to gather at the bottom of the joint, but do not use so much that it drips. Always allow the joint to cool fully before moving.


When you look on the shelves of your local DIY store, you will see two types of capillary joint, one is the ‘Yorkshire’ or (integral-ring joint) and the ‘End-feed’ joint. Yorkshire joints are slightly more expensive than end-feed joints. But you should have no trouble with them. Hampstead Plumbers use these joints.


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