What is the technique for joining copper water pipes called?

The technique for joining copper water pipes is called soldering. This process involves using a filler metal that has a lower melting point than the base metals—in this case, copper—to create a strong bond between the pipes. When heated, the solder flows into the joint and cools to form a solid connection, ensuring that the pipes are securely joined and leak-proof.

Soldering is especially preferred in plumbing applications involving copper pipes because it provides a durable and reliable connection that can withstand pressure and temperature variations in water systems. When properly done, soldered joints can last for many years without failing.

Other techniques, such as welding, typically involve melting the base metals together and are not suitable for copper pipes, which require more delicate approaches like soldering. Crimping, on the other hand, uses mechanical fittings to secure the pipes and is an alternative method but does not involve the same heating and bonding process as soldering. Thus, the process of soldering remains the correct and widely used method for joining copper water pipes.