flux and solder

[GaytonTonner]

I have moved over to mainly compression after grappling with lead-free solder. I find it a waste of time. Powerflux makes no difference. I have had soldered joints fail using Powerflux after a few years. The solder runs too freely and too thin. I try to use leaded solder where I can, and on potable water compression with LSX on the seating.

Maybe I am missing something. What do others use in solder-flux combinations.

 

[expertgasman]

I have moved over to mainly compression after grappling with lead-free solder. I find it a waste of time. Powerflux makes no difference. I have had soldered joints fail using Powerflux after a few years. The solder runs too freely and too thin. I try to use leaded solder where I can, and on potable water compression with LSX on the seating.

Maybe I am missing something. What do others use in solder-flux combinations.

I've used Laco flux for years, but always clean the copper first (Iknow, I know). Never had a problem.

I'm afraid that excessive compressionn fittings are the mark of a DIYer, and stupidly expensive. Also, you can't use them unless they are accesible.

 

[bookahandyman]

i use the yello tub of flux i think its called powerflux . with unleaded solder, i use a flux brush and run it inside the fitting and some on the pipe. i also use the yellow gas, not the black one , it gets hotter and does the job niceley. also the black tub flux with red lid is too acidic and can corrode the rubber washers on push fit fittings if used in conjuction with soldered joints.

 

[expertgasman]

i use the yello tub of flux i think its called powerflux . with unleaded solder, i use a flux brush and run it inside the fitting and some on the pipe. i also use the yellow gas, not the black one , it gets hotter and does the job niceley. also the black tub flux with red lid is too acidic and can corrode the rubber washers on push fit fittings if used in conjuction with soldered joints.

It's bad practice to put flux in fitting.

 

[seco services]

It's bad practice to put flux in fitting.

you would expect that from a handyman.

 

[expertgasman]

It's bad practice to put flux in fitting.

you would expect that from a handyman.

LOl. I didn't notice the name!

 

[newbuildinstaller]

frys flux and unleaded solder how can you go wrong? Try push fit if you cant solder better than compression

 

[bookahandyman]

It's bad practice to put flux in fitting.

you would expect that from a handyman.

actually not just a handyman but level 3 plumber and 10yrs in the trade, i have had the argument of not putting flux in fittings with young and old plumbers, no one has a good reason why you should or shouldnt, so you do it your way i;ll do it mine. happy days.

 

[seco services]

level 3, 10 yrs in the trade.
i wouldn't call myself a handyman then

 

[studips]

a ball of wire wool, everflux, tin/lead & flux. never liked lead free.

 

[newbuildinstaller]

You dont flux the fittings as when you insert the pipe it pushes flux into the pipe, This is at its worst on gas instillations where water wont be able to wash away/dilute the acidic flux allowing it to rot the pipe. When you flux the pipe the flux is pushed back along the pipe when inserted.


Im a time served plumber too woohoo

 

[seco services]

some call 6 weeks timeserved.

 

[newbuildinstaller]

3 weeks course actually and I even got a certificate for an extra £100

 

[seco services]

got a certificate for an extra £100

whats that on top of the 6k already spent ?

 

[MrGassafe]

Maybe I am missing something. What do others use in solder-flux combinations.

Experience lad, experience