Lead Solder on baseboards - DIY Chatroom

jerryh3 · 10-25-2009, 07:44 PM

Is it alright to use leaded solder on a hydronic baseboard system. I have to make some repairs that are close to existing joints and I wanted to use leaded solder for the lower melting point. Am I thinking correctly or is there something better to use?

Plumber101 · 10-25-2009, 07:50 PM

I have always use lead free. Seems to flow better. Make sure you clean and use flux.

You may have to drain the system to heat the metal

jerryh3 · 10-25-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plumber101

I have always use lead free. Seems to flow better. Make sure you clean and use flux.

You may have to drain the system to heat the metal

I used lead free today and it seemed to work alright. The next section I need to fix, I'm getting closer to some existing joints and I just don't want to compromise them. System is drained so no problems there. This project is reminding me how much I dislike plumbing. Only one burn today though.

JDC · 10-25-2009, 08:27 PM

As long as you are not soldering on a potable water system then 50/50 solder (contains 50% lead) is fine to use. I use it often when soldering copper DWV systems.