When things go wrong you have to solder on

This falls into the category of how learning new things can keep an old mind from turning to Jell-o. Um, as long as you don't burn the house down.

     The last thing I did when I left the cabin besides lock the door was disconnect the propane tank from the house distribution system to bring the regulator and hose indoors. Unfortunately in removing the assembly from the tank the wrench slipped and my hand slammed against a joint in the main plumbing and the joint came apart.

     This whole system was put in by a friend of mine who was a licensed plumber and I can't really complain about the work after more than 30 years. However if I am going to have lights and a cook stove when I go back it is going to have to be fixed.

     And as much as I have learned over the years, I have never learned how to solder, and this joint needs to be soldered. Soooo I guess I still have more to learn. I sure can't call the guy to head out into the bush to solder one joint. What it all boils down to is I've got some learnin' to do.

     I watched the plumbers who did the two houses I built and the one who works on this house, so I have a pretty good idea what's involved. From internet sources I made a list of tools I will need and I've already bought them. I'm thinking now it might be a good idea to buy some copper tubing and fittings and practice a little before I go back and attempt the repair. One of the difficulties is the break is under the house in a rather tight space where I will have to be working over my head, so some planning is necessary for that as well. And yes the pipe is tight against floor joists and exposed insulation, so some protection is going to be needed there to prevent a fire. What fun, huh?

Here's what's involved: The example in this video is pretty much the connection I have to make.

     I do have a plan B. If I fail at soldering, I will take enough fittings so I can jury rig a connection cobbled together with pressure fittings. I've done some connections that way and I know how to do that. And, believe it or not I also have a plan C. I ordered a basic Coleman stove just in case nothing works. At least I will have two burners and I can run the generator longer for lights.
     And the process goes on. Today (three days later) I bought about $30 worth of copper tubing and fittings to practice on before I head out there to make the fix. Plan A under way.