Arizona Plumbing Practice Exam

Embedded copper to copper joints must be:

1. Welded

2. Brazed

3. Soldered

4. Threaded

The correct answer is: Brazed

Embedded copper to copper joints must be brazed due to the specific requirements for creating strong, durable connections in plumbing systems. Brazing involves the use of a filler metal with a melting point above 450°C (842°F), which allows the base metals to remain solid during the process. This technique provides a robust joint that can withstand varying temperatures and pressures, making it ideal for plumbing applications where strength and durability are crucial. Additionally, brazing offers good corrosion resistance, which is important in plumbing to ensure the longevity of the joints and prevent leaks. By heating the parts to a temperature that allows the filler metal to flow between them, a strong bond is formed that maintains the integrity of the copper pipes. In contrast, welding typically involves melting the base materials, which may not be suitable for thin-walled copper pipes commonly used in plumbing, as it could lead to warping or weakening of the material. Soldering, while a method for creating joints, does not provide the same strength as brazing, particularly in applications that may experience high pressures. Threaded joints, on the other hand, rely on mechanical fastening rather than metallurgical bonding, which may not be adequate for embedded joints where a more permanent solution is necessary.