Intro
On many laundry jobs, you need a branch off an existing copper line without tearing half the wall. A COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería lets you cut in a tee and rejoin tight pipes fast. It’s a smooth slip coupling with no internal stop. You slide it over, solder, and you’re done. In this guide, I’ll show when to use it, the tools you need, and a step-by-step method that keeps leaks away and the client happy.
Quick Answer
A COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería is a smooth copper slip coupling used to add a tee mid‑run in a laundry room. Cut the pipe, insert the tee, slide the slip coupling to close the gap, and solder. It’s ideal when pipes can’t be moved enough for a standard coupling.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A slip coupling has no internal stop and slides to close a gap.
- It’s perfect for tight spaces where pipes won’t flex 10–15 mm.
- Clean, flux, and heat evenly; expect 20–30 seconds per joint.
- Pressure test for 10 minutes at working pressure before closing up.
- Typical laundry tap-off takes 60–90 minutes, start to finish.
Why Use a Copper Slip Coupling Mid‑Run
A COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería shines when there’s no play in the line. Old copper often won’t budge the 10–15 mm you need for a standard coupling. The slip design slides over one side, then back to bridge the cut cleanly.
It’s neat, fast, and reliable for 15 mm, 22 mm, and 28 mm copper. On most laundry rooms, you’re teeing off 15 mm to the washer. The slip coupling helps you splice the remaining straight piece without forcing the pipe or stressing old solder joints.
This pairs well with understanding professional proposals and pricing for small plumbing jobs. If you’re also looking to streamline invoice templates, our guide covers practical layouts that save time.
- COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería (size to suit: 15 mm/22 mm/28 mm)
- Copper tee (equal or reducing, often 22×15×22 or 15×15×15)
- Pipe cutter and deburring tool (internal/external)
- Emery cloth (120–180 grit) or Scotch-Brite
- Lead‑free solder and flux
- Heat mat, MAP‑Pro/propane torch, and spark lighter
- Pipe clips and screws (support every ~1.2 m horizontally)
- PTFE tape for appliance valves
- Bucket, towels, and spray bottle of water (fire safety)
- Pressure gauge or test kit
Tip: Measure insertion depth on each fitting. Commonly, 8–12 mm per side on 15 mm fittings. Mark these depths on the pipe so you don’t under‑insert.
Follow these numbered steps for a clean, leak‑free result.
- Isolate and drain
- Shut the nearest stopcock. Open the lowest tap to drain down. Expect 5–10 minutes. Remove the washing machine hose and cap or valve the outlet.
- Mark and measure the cut
- Mark the tee centre where you want the branch. Measure the tee’s body length. Add 3–5 mm total clearance for movement. Mark two cut lines on the pipe.
- Cut and deburr
- Use a pipe cutter for square cuts. Deburr inside and outside to avoid turbulence and pinhole leaks. Clean 30–40 mm of pipe ends with emery.
- Dry fit the tee and slip coupling
- Slide the COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería fully over one pipe end. Dry fit the tee on the other side. Check alignment and fall. Ensure at least 8–10 mm pipe insertion into each socket.
- Flux and assemble
- Apply a thin, even layer of flux on all pipe ends and fitting cups. Assemble: tee first, then slide the slip coupling back to close the gap over the straight joint. Wipe excess flux.
- Solder the joints
- Shield with a heat mat. Heat the fitting, not the solder. After 20–30 seconds on 15 mm (longer for 22/28 mm), touch solder to the joint. It should be drawn in. Run a full ring. Repeat for each joint, including the slip coupling. Keep a spray bottle nearby.
- Cool and clean
- Let joints cool 3–5 minutes. Wipe off flux with a damp cloth to protect copper from corrosion.
- Fit the laundry valve and hose
- Install an isolation valve or washing machine valve on the branch. Use PTFE tape on threads. Point the outlet neatly; aim for 100–150 mm stand‑off from the back panel if using a box.
- Clip and support
- Clip the new branch within 150–300 mm of fittings, then at ~1.2 m centres. Avoid strain on the tee.
- Test the system
- Close all taps. Refill slowly. Bleed air. Inspect each joint. Then pressure test to typical working pressure for 10 minutes. No drops, no weeps.
- Wrap up
- Insulate if the laundry is in a cool space. Refit the machine. Run a quick fill cycle to confirm flow and no debris.
On real jobs, this whole process takes about 60–90 minutes for 15 mm lines. Add 15–20 minutes for 22 mm or tight access.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overheating the joint: You’ll burn the flux and block capillary action. Heat the cup evenly. Count 20–30 seconds on 15 mm; move the flame constantly.
- Dirty copper: Oxidation kills solder flow. Clean 30–40 mm of pipe and each cup till bright.
- Dry fitting too tight: If the slip coupling won’t slide smoothly, polish both surfaces. Don’t force it; you’ll move the tee.
- Too much flux: It can carbonise and cause leaks. Thin coat only, then wipe off after soldering.
- No drain down: Trapped water turns to steam at 100°C and blows pinholes. Drain fully and open a nearby high tap to vent.
- No expansion gap: Leave 3–5 mm allowance when planning cuts so parts seat without strain.
If you’re building a quote for this small task, creating professional proposals becomes much easier with a clear scope and photos. It also helps when managing project timelines for multi‑room plumbing upgrades.
Testing, Insulation, and Finishing
- Cold test first: Refill slowly and check each joint for 2–3 minutes.
- Pressure hold: Maintain working pressure for 10 minutes. Watch the gauge. Any drop means you recheck joints.
- Hot test: If it’s a hot feed, run hot water for 2–3 minutes. Copper expands; confirm no weeps.
- Insulate exposed pipes: 9–13 mm wall insulation is common. It reduces condensation around laundry kits.
- Fire safety check: Look for scorch marks. Clean the area. Keep a heat mat in the kit always.
A COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería, soldered right, will outlast the appliance. Many contractors report fewer callbacks when they test and clean every joint before closing the wall or boxing in.
When to Pick Alternatives
A COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería is excellent, but not always the only answer.
- Press‑fit slip coupling: Faster in wet environments or where flames are banned. Good for 22 mm lines in tight cupboards.
- Compression coupling: Useful if you can’t solder near timber. Needs 10–15 mm pipe movement per side.
- Full tee replacement without slip: If you have long pipe runs with good play, you can insert a standard coupling with a pipe spread.
- Saddle tap valves: Quick, but many pros avoid them for permanent work. They can clog and weep over time.
If you need to upsell the job, add a proper laundry outlet box and isolation valves. It’s cleaner and makes future maintenance easy. For contractors dealing with client management, we recommend linking your site photos to professional proposals so clients understand the value.
FAQ
What is a slip coupling and why no internal stop?
It’s a smooth copper coupling with no centre ridge. That lets you slide it fully onto one pipe, assemble the other parts, then slide it back to bridge the cut. Ideal when there’s not enough pipe movement for a standard coupling.
Yes. It’s copper and soldered with lead‑free solder, so it handles typical domestic hot water temperatures. Test after heating and allow joints to cool 3–5 minutes before refilling.
Is a slip coupling better than a compression fitting?
Different tools for different jobs. The COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería gives a slim, permanent joint and fits in tight chases. Compression is good where you can’t solder or need quick disassembly.
How much heat do I apply when soldering?
For 15 mm, heat the fitting evenly for about 20–30 seconds, then feed solder till a full ring appears. Larger sizes need longer. Don’t overheat; keep the flame moving.
Can I use it with PEX adapters?
Yes. Solder a copper tee and slip coupling first. Let it cool. Then add a copper‑to‑PEX adapter on the branch. Follow the PEX system’s crimp or press method.
Conclusion
Using a COPLE Liso de COBRE para Toma A Media Tubería en Lavandería is a clean, reliable way to add a laundry branch mid‑run. Plan your cut, clean all surfaces, control your heat, and test for 10 minutes. That’s how you avoid leaks and callbacks.
Next steps:
- Measure, mark, and dry fit before you open your flux.
- Keep a heat mat and spray bottle in your kit every time.
- Document before/after photos and add them to your professional proposals.
If you want faster admin after the job, tools like Donizo help you capture site notes by voice, create branded proposals, and send e‑signature links in minutes. Stay tidy, stay safe, and get paid with confidence.