I'm no professional, but I've been successfully sweating joints for many years. I haven't had that much success with the lead-free stuff. Good thing I still have lots of leaded solder around.
I only do plumbing around the house, so I'm not putting anyone at risk other than us (and I'm no kid), but I can't seem to transition to the lead-free stuff. It seems to flow differently and just doesn't seem to "run into" the joints in the same way that the leaded solder did. And, yes, I know enough to keep the stuff clean and fluxed.
Last time I replaced our electric water heater, it was a nightmare - I used the lead-free and when I was done, the connection leaked like a sieve. I tossed it all and got out my old stuff and...NO LEAKS.
I'm using a Bernz-O-Matic Mapp gas torch. Like I said - I'm no professional, but always trying to improve what I do. Any advice?
Thanks very much!
Paul in New Jersey
I only do plumbing around the house, so I'm not putting anyone at risk other than us (and I'm no kid), but I can't seem to transition to the lead-free stuff. It seems to flow differently and just doesn't seem to "run into" the joints in the same way that the leaded solder did. And, yes, I know enough to keep the stuff clean and fluxed.
Last time I replaced our electric water heater, it was a nightmare - I used the lead-free and when I was done, the connection leaked like a sieve. I tossed it all and got out my old stuff and...NO LEAKS.
I'm using a Bernz-O-Matic Mapp gas torch. Like I said - I'm no professional, but always trying to improve what I do. Any advice?
Thanks very much!
Paul in New Jersey