Which type of solder must be used for soldering water lines?

Lead-free plumbing solders are required for use on pipes carrying drinking water, also known as potable water lines. Leaded solders are available for applications that will not come into contact with potable water, such as sheet metal repair or copper drain lines.

What kind of solder do you use for plumbing?

Acid core solders are most often used in plumbing applications to join metal pipes or sheet metal. Rosin core solder is also fabricated with a hollow core inside the solder wire, but the flux used is a milder variety made of rosin, which is a solid form of resin derived from conifers such as pine.

Can I use acid core solder for plumbing?

The uses for acid core solder include the joining of oxidized metals. Examples of this include joining together parts of engines in cars or other machinery, and in plumbing to strip the layer of oxidation off the surface of pipes as the solder melts, allowing it to form a waterproof joint.

Can you use acid core solder on copper?

Acid core is NEVER used for electical connections. They REQUIRE “rosin core”, otherwise they will corrode and lose conductivity. You cannot use ANY core solder to make copper pipe connections. If it is just a small can of flux, toss it and buy a new one when you need to make some joints.

Why does solder not stick to wire?

The surface of the copper is very smooth so thag when you apply the solder to it , it will not stick to it. To apply solder, the surface need to be rough or it should be tinned so when you apply solder it will melt and stick.

What is the difference between rosin core and acid core solder?

Rosin core solder contains a mild flux and is designed to solder parts where flux residue cannot be removed. An example would be electric circuit boards, or electrical connections. The name acid core tells us the flux is an aggressive type designed to solder steel as well as other metals.

How do you get solder to stick to wire?

Add a small spot of solder to the tip. Line up the wire to the connector, usually with a clamp. Hold the tip of the iron on the connector for a short time. Push some solder onto the wire at the edge of the tip, so the solder melts onto the wire.

What kind of solder to use on drain lines?

You could get away with it in drain lines, cold water fittings, and cold water lines that won’t experience large changes in pressure or temperature, but generally, you’ll want to use one that contains anywhere between 15 and 30 percent silver, known as a soft solder.

What’s the best way to solder a water pipe?

Quickly insert ½- to ¾-inches of solder into the joint. Wipe away the excess solder with a rag. After the pipe and fitting have cooled, install the pipe, turn on the water and check for leaks. If the joint leaks, take it apart and re-solder it.

What kind of solder to use on a condenser?

Coat the outside of the copper lines coming from the compressor and the inside of the swaged nipples on the condenser unit with Sta-Brite silver solder flux. Apply the flux sparingly to the outside of the copper lines because you do not want excess flux entering the condenser unit.

How long does it take to solder copper water lines?

Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn soldering copper pipe leak-proof joints in 30 minutes.

How to solder a water supply line installation?

Call the plumber to bail you out (figuratively speaking of course!) The Basics. To solder copper pipe you must heat the copper pipe and the fitting to be soldered to a sufficient temperature. When the copper is hot enough, it will actually draw the solder into the joint by capillary attraction.

What kind of solder to use on stainless steel pipe?

Can be used on all materials except aluminum and stainless steel. Contains lead-free solder wire in powder form to clean and pre-tin the pipe surface, which allows solder to easily draw into the joint. Ideal for use with large diameter copper pipe. Little expertise needed for effective use.

What kind of solder do you use for copper drain lines?

If possible, use the lead-free solder. The 50 percent lead solder is used for copper drain lines. It melts at a lower temperature and is able to bridge larger gaps as it cools. This is handy when working with large diameter (up to 4 inch!) copper pipe and fittings.You MUST pay attention when you buy solder. The 1 pound rolls look very much alike.

What kind of solder is used in potable water systems?

Meets plumbing code ASTM B-813 standards for flux used in potable water systems. Meets plumbing code requirements for water flushable fluxes. Contains lead-free solder wire in powder form to clean and pre-tin copper pipe surfaces, which allows solder to easily draw into the joint. Won’t turn copper green.