I need to take apart a fitting (actually two, this is my tub/shower) that was almost certainly soldered with lead-based solder. I want to do this without getting lead everywhere.
Is there a best way of doing this? I don’t want to cut the pipe further down because the blocking would then be in the way. Any lower than that is getting close enough to the slab to make me extremely nervous.
I think I have 3 options:
- Use a hacksaw, then sandpaper, flux, solder
- Use a tubing cutter, ream, sandpaper, flux, solder.
- Unsolder with a torch. (then what?).
Any suggestions/tricks/whatever are most welcome
Replies
Old solder is an alloy with lead, but not like you're trying to handle Plutonium. If you're very concerned about the fumes, make sure your workspace is well ventilated, but frankly the amount of exposure you're talking about is insignificant. Just unsweat the fitting...
As to the "then what", what are you trying to do? If it's replacement, I'm not sure I see the problem...but fill us in and we'll be glad to help.
Hey thanks for replying that was quick!
When I said "then what", I mean... unsolder, flux, resolder? The
plumbing books I've seen don't cover how to prepare an old joint, just new ones.
I realize this won't be much exposure, but I also wondered about what
I was leaving behind in the wall cavity or whatever.
Melt as much of the old solder off as possible,
Sand it clean (dry fit to make sure not too much solder is still on it)
Re-flux
Re-solder w/ lead free
Done.
Crack open a cold one, and invite all your buddies over to see your work ;-)
What he said... but IMHO use plumber's mesh sanding stuff, not sandpaper... I always sem to have little bits of grit in the way at the last minute.
What everyone else said, but I usually wipe the hot joint (while the solder is still liquid) with a rag to clean off the excess, leaving the pipe with only a very thin coat of solder instead of a big gob that you have to sand off. Make the new fitting go on much easier. You will still need to apply more flux and solder -- don't be tempted to skimp and use only what's left on the joint. (Hey, I've seen at least one guy try this.)
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Unsolder and then wipe with a damp rag while the solder is still fluid. That will remove most of the old solder, and leave a smooth surface that should allow re-sweating with new solder. Then just flux and solder as you normally would.
The hazard of lead solder is mostly theoretical, occurring only with long-term exposure to large amounts of it, and then generally only if the water is corrosive. Plumbers have been using it for centuries with few ill effects. (Granted, most plumbers are crazy, but I figure that's from the sewer gas.)
Thank you all for your advice, reassurance, and moral support.
I got the job mostly done that Saturday. (Still have to get a tub
spout.) I ended up cutting it because it
was full of water, but now I know I can unsolder things.
Edited 6/27/2006 8:25 am by carbon