Solder Corrosion
- franpipeman
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i saw it my mistake
- gaw
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I have had good results with this new solder and flux from the big box stores. It is a much stronger bond according to the advertised specs. I use an oxy acetylene torch just like you use for welding or brazing, plenty of heat. I never had white powder corrosion; your water is not acid is it? But that should eat the copper too.
- Rob R.
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The new solder works fine with decent flux, but you need a good torch. The fluffy white flux sucks. It is ok on small copper, but if you try to use it in a large brass fitting it is real easy to burn the flux before the fitting is hot enough to take solder.
Oatey No. 5 or Nokorode Regular flux for me.
Oatey No. 5 or Nokorode Regular flux for me.
- franpipeman
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I like a turbo torch as distance from pipe gives your temperature variance but tip size is just as important
Just a note about flux and non soldered joints, on two instances I was called to a large hvac hydronic heating project and a severe flood occurred. Ultimately after one year a joint that was fluxed, then corroded but never soldered let loose and , yes water make up valve enabled a large volume of water to leak out. The astonishment is , that joint did not leak a drop of water for one year at 30 psi, 180 degrees and multiple cool heat cycles until it said it had enough.
Just a note about flux and non soldered joints, on two instances I was called to a large hvac hydronic heating project and a severe flood occurred. Ultimately after one year a joint that was fluxed, then corroded but never soldered let loose and , yes water make up valve enabled a large volume of water to leak out. The astonishment is , that joint did not leak a drop of water for one year at 30 psi, 180 degrees and multiple cool heat cycles until it said it had enough.
- franpipeman
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Does this system have a lot of water exchange
- McGiever
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X2 for Oatey #5 flux...and you CAN get it at the orange big box store.
X2 on acetylene fuel in a "B" or PrestOLight tank w/ turbo-torch...enough heat quick.
X2 on acetylene fuel in a "B" or PrestOLight tank w/ turbo-torch...enough heat quick.
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McMaster Carr has 50/50 lead/silver. Not cheap but works very well for heating systems.
- Rob R.
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I have some Oatey "Safe-flo" solder that I used for potable water piping. It is not as nice to work with as 50/50, but it is better than 95/5.
https://www.oatey.com/2374320/Product/Oatey-Safe- ... ire-Solder
https://www.oatey.com/2374320/Product/Oatey-Safe- ... ire-Solder
- coaledsweat
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I won't do repairs on my hydronic heating system without the 50/50. Way to much grief.
- CoalisCoolxWarm
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MAPP gas trigger ignite torch that works in any position.
White water soluble flux
50/50 or other solder
GOOD brushes and wire inside and outside cleaners
Emery cloth
CLEAN cloth to wipe joint before soldering- do NOT touch soldering area with your hands. Keep it CLEAN!
Heat the thicker piece first (ie fitting) and evenly, then heat the pipe while applying solder. Orient piece so solder can flow downhill if possible and the fitting will not slip apart when solder "floats" the joint.
If your old solder is white and pitted, it all has to come off. Just do it and start over on the joint. You'll be glad you did
Why? Maybe the joint wasn't heated enough, the solder was contaminated (dull looking, dirty), or something else.
Good luck!
White water soluble flux
50/50 or other solder
GOOD brushes and wire inside and outside cleaners
Emery cloth
CLEAN cloth to wipe joint before soldering- do NOT touch soldering area with your hands. Keep it CLEAN!
Heat the thicker piece first (ie fitting) and evenly, then heat the pipe while applying solder. Orient piece so solder can flow downhill if possible and the fitting will not slip apart when solder "floats" the joint.
If your old solder is white and pitted, it all has to come off. Just do it and start over on the joint. You'll be glad you did
Why? Maybe the joint wasn't heated enough, the solder was contaminated (dull looking, dirty), or something else.
Good luck!
-
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This is a great resource for soldering and brazing. I use their products since it is well referenced as to what is compatible for the project at hand.
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/~/media/Files/ ... dering.pdf
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/~/media/Files/ ... dering.pdf