Consumption and Real Estate
What is the best solder/flux combination for 1/2″ copper pipes?
Question : What is the best solder/flux combination for 1/2″ copper pipes?
I’m soldering in some replacement 1/2″ shut-off valves in my basement, and the (water soluble) flux and (lead free) solder combo pack I picked up from the home improvement store is exceedingly difficult to work with. The old 50/50 lead solder used to be so easy to use.
I’ve heard that, even with the modern products available – buying higher quality soldering supplies can make this job a lot easier.
What’s the best?
The pipes and fittings were all well cleaned, but it was difficult to get the pipes 100% dry. I drained them, but still noticed some steam coming out of the valve’s waste vent (I had it open for exactly this reason). I think that maybe, because of the water, I had to heat the fittings to such an extent that I burned off the flux. I could get the solder to melt, but it didn’t seem to pull into the joint very well.
On a related note – If my house was built in the 60′s with lead solder, would I really be hurting anything by doing a few new joints with lead solder? Seems like a drop in the bucket.
home improvement leads
Best answer:
Answer by Big City
I think as long as your new valves and pipes are all clean and DRY you shouldn’t have a problem.
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#5 written by george b 1 year ago
Use Alpha metals solid core lead free solder and Nokorode soldering paste. (avail at Ace Hardware)You may have better results using Mapp gas instead of propane as it is hotter,but be careful not to melt any valve seats. And be sure you clean the surfaces with a fine emery before sweating.50/50 is no longer acceptable for plumbing.
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If you can use end-feed fittings (plain solder type) on all new copper work, and stick to compression fittings (spanner and olives) on older pipework – you won’t have problems.
Use a little jointing paste on the pipe – when fitting olive – and tighten up. End-feed copper fittings are cheapest for new runs, and neater, but if you are working wet, or older pipes – clean up first, cut, then fit a compression service valve as the first thing you do. After that, you can take your time and make the rest as neat as you like.