Do not disassemble the valve. Clean all the surfaces to be soldered with a fine sand cloth or steel wire brush to remove all traces of dirt and oil. Use a thin film of flux to cover the surfaces. Use flux sparingly, but be sure to cover the entire surface. Always use lead-free solder for plumbing parts.
Open the valve fully and carefully to apply only as much heat as is needed to melt the solder. If you are using MAPP gas then you should exercise additional caution as it will be hotter than propane. It is a good idea to make sure the flame only contacts the ends of the valve and not the center section, where the soft Teflon seals could be damaged. Apply heat to the tubing first and transfer as much heat as possible to the valve through the tubing to avoid overheating the valve.
When the temperature of the parts is hot enough to melt the solder, remove the flame. Solder is then applied to the joint and will automatically fill the joint through capillary action. Use about a 1/2” length of solder for a 1/2” valve, 3/4” length of solder for a 3/4” valve, etc. Using too much solder will make a weak joint.
Turn on water and check for leaks.
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