Leaded versus Lead Free Solder

[tuttogallo]

Firstly I have to confess to being a DIYer.

I notice that both lead free and leaded are on sale. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? I would like to know which type of solder to use for which job.

Is leaded being phased out? Is it OK to use up the leaded solder that I have on my central heating system?

Thanks in advance. No discussions about cats please!

tuttogallo

 

[Destroyer2813]

MUST be lead free on potable water can use leaded on heating

 

[TBServices]

Leaded is cheaper and runs better. I use it wherever possible (heating and gas) but you must use lead free on potable water

 

[Best]

Use end feed fittings & leaded solder for heating systems. Both are cheap & it is easier to solder using leaded.

 

[tuttogallo]

thanks to both for such quick, concise and useful advice.

and no discussion about cats!

tuttogallo

 

[AlexGas]

Lead-free solder
Lead-free number 23 tin / copper
alloy soft solder to EN 29453 has a
melting point of 230oC to 240oC and is
suitable for making end feed capillary
joints on all normal domestic plumbing,
heating and gas systems.

Your choice
If you do decide to or have to use
leaded solder for your gas and central
heating runs, then buy coils that are on
different coloured plastic bobbins so that
the risk of mistaken use is minimised.
After all, why risk a summons and
possible fine when it is so easy for
anyone to check whether you have used
leaded solder by simply wiping a damped
piece of test paper on the suspect solder
joint, which will show red if you have.
However, as number 23 tin-based solder
is approximately 25% less dense (so you
can make more joints per 500g coil than
tin/lead) and it is inherently stronger than
lead-based alloys (as it has better joint
strength, fatigue, and thermal cycling
properties), why not use it for all your
end-feed fittings?

 

[tuttogallo]

thanks best. I will definitely be using end feed with leaded solder. I also think that end feeds look smarter than yorkshires.

 

[Best]

thanks best. I will definitely be using end feed with leaded solder. I also think that end feeds look smarter than yorkshires.

End feed fittings are usually nice & pure inside & easy to clean. Also the Yorkshire types have dirt below the solder ring & the capillary action is broken at the increased size at the ring of solder.
One very handy thing about end feed tees is you can solder just one of the connections, say the ackward branch of a tee & then fit into place & solder the other ends.

 

[TBServices]

thanks best. I will definitely be using end feed with leaded solder. I also think that end feeds look smarter than yorkshires.

You won't think that when you have massive solder snots and runs on your pipework 🙂 lol

 

[tuttogallo]

You won't think that when you have massive solder snots and runs on your pipework 🙂 lol

You are correct. I need to avoid that. See my earlier thread: http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-forum/43536-making-perfect-end-feed-solder-joint.html

thanks

tuttogallo

 

[REDSAW]

what solders in yorkies then?.


see, dogs not cats@~@

 

[Mike Jackson]

It's also worth remembering that lead solder is around a third the price of lead free.

 

[TBServices]

what solders in yorkies then?.


see, dogs not cats@~@

You can get both. If they're stamped YP (yorkshire potable) then it's lead free.

 

[plum ber]

Looks like theirs NO NEED for my humble ramblings you Guy's have it under control.....

needless to say lead and potable water don't mix anymore.....

 

[SimonG]

Im my solder tub I have green (unleaded) and red (leaded) bit like the old petrol coulours.

 

[theanalyst]

Its stupid really that leaded solder is not permitted on potable water. Considering large numbers of houses is certain areas still have the water main in lead.... lol
Even though its aged lead on the main, I bet it still transmits a fair bit into the drinking water

 

[kay-jay]

Its stupid really that leaded solder is not permitted on potable water. Considering large numbers of houses is certain areas still have the water main in lead.... lol
Even though its aged lead on the main, I bet it still transmits a fair bit into the drinking water

No it doesn't. Its about the ph level of the water that is delivered from the undertaker. In the safe range lead will not go into solution.

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