Help: Lead Soldering

[Two Fivenagame]

Hey CP,

Had an uncle install a new kitchen faucet and shut-off valve and apparently he used lead-tin soldering. My pregnant wife is now really worried about the possibility of lead in our drinking water. She did some research on-line and is freaking out even more.

Meanwhile my uncle has said that pretty much all residences with copper piping use lead-tin soldering.

What do I do?

Thanks

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Two Fivenagame

Meanwhile my uncle has said that pretty much all residences with copper piping use lead-tin soldering.

Where did he have this solder hiding? I thought plumbing solder has been lead free since the mid 80s?

I wouldn't be concerned, personally, but If you (your wife) is really worried you could take it out and re-do it with lead free solder.

As far as I know, If it's an older house with copper pipes (80's or earlier?) you're going to have lead solder throughout the system anyways. The older pipes are more of a concern than the newer ones, since lead leaches in via corroded areas.

[transplant99]

Yeah...plumbing solder has no lead...its all tin now and usually a 95/5 mix with antimony that has zero health issues.

[Two Fivenagame]

Thanks guys. I guess i'll have it replaced.