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.

Expert DIYer April Wilkerson teaches how to solder copper pipes properly for long-lasting plumbing connections.