And to add another interesting aspect, since washing machines shut the water off rapidly, I add water hammer arrestors to the washing machine pipes. I can't tell by the picture if you already have them but now would be the time to add them. No need to buy them, just make them up.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Re-mdlr,

I don't know it the photo really defines sloppy work. We may all have different definition. A wee bit to much solder used on the sweat maybe, but a tough sweat for sure. And as all would be hidden by drywall, not a problem, but that is just my opin.
Goo luck whatever you decide as your post generated many replies.

Thanks, Sparky. And thanks to all of you for your input. I have a feeling I will learn a great deal in the process of solving this problem :-)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GottaDIYIt,

to answer the question. how would a plumber dry out a pipe to sweat a joint
turn off water
open all valves in house
using a bicycle pump, with the end cut off
stick in the pipe and pump
followed by placing moutn on pipe and blowing
if water continues due to a leaky valve
cut pipe and stuff with bread
this trick works , BUT you gotta be QUICK
you have a window of aboutr 3 minutes untill the bread disolves
use your large turbo torch tip
you will need a lot of heat to dry out drips
but DO NOT over heat and burn fitting
after leak is fixed, your last joint
i would use a brass union,so that water cannot
mess with you.. making the last joint mechanical instead of sweat
SPARKEY you called it right, sloppy workmenship
the joints need to be wipped after sweating
that will get you run off down here in rebel land
wipping a joint is like wipping yer but
yer not done till its done

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Frodo,