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Ask your QuestionI have heard that it’s essential to use lead-free solder to join copper pipes together? Why is this the case?
Asked by Patrick on 9th Sep 2020"Hi,
There are two main reasons.
One being a health issue regarding lead been in digested into your stomach.
Secondly an environmental issue with similar end results.
Lead is extremely poisonous!. When digested by drinking water or being deposited into the environment it eventually end up in our water system or in the ocean."
"it is very important for a plumber to use lead free solder in copper pipes as rules and regulations show it is the correct way and to ensure there is not high lead content in water which is damaging to health."
Answered on 9th Sep 2020 - Member since Sep 2020 - report"Lead is highly toxic and therefore not suitable for water supply. The solder used in plumbing is an alloy of mostly tin and a small amount of copper which is harnless"
Answered on 9th Sep 2020 - Member since Jul 2020 - report"It is not essential that you use lead free solder. Not sure why or who would of told you that . Lead free solder is used on different types of installations . Leaded solder is only applicable on again certain installations or work being carried out ."
Answered on 9th Sep 2020 - Member since May 2019 - report"If your connecting copper pipes and the pipes are to be used on water supplies it must be lead free if your not sure about soldering there are other methods to join Pipework"
Answered on 9th Sep 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report"Because lead solder was banned a couple of decades ago due its unhealthy affects on human health, specifically potable drinking water and sanitation water supply pipes.
I hope this helps."
"Lead is poisonous and with modern lead free solder their is no need to use leaded solder"
Answered on 9th Sep 2020 - Member since Nov 2018 - report"Under the Water Fittings Regulations and Bylaws, the use of lead solder for jointing copper pipes is prohibited in plumbing systems which supply water for drinking, cooking or bathing."
Answered on 10th Sep 2020 - Member since Sep 2020 - report