As a mechanical contractor, I sweat a lot of copper pipe, yet people don't believe me when I say the preparation is more important than the torch work. Even the experienced tend to rush the job — ...

Q: I want to install a soft-water conditioner in my house. My garage is preplumbed with a copper loop and I'm pretty good with home repairs, but the thought of soldering my copper pipes has me scared.

Q: I have a problem with my plumbing. Below my kitchen sink is a copper pipe that comes out of the wall, extends for about a foot and then goes back into the wall. I have noticed a small leak coming ...