Some flux questions

[Jagermeister]

My first question is does flux go bad? I bought some flux about 8 years ago to do a repair job and was about to use it again. It doesn't look separated or anything. Just curious if the chemical composition degrades over time.

Also, in doing some recent research, I've found that 'water soluble' flux is required for all potable water systems. Can anyone tell me if the flux I have is water soluble? It doesn't say as such on the container so I'm guessing it probably isn't.

Rectorseal C-flux, Product Code 74026, Lead Free, Acid Free

It was a plumber working at a big box retailer that initially sold me the flux for my repair project and, as it was lead free, I had assumed it was the correct stuff to use. If not water soluble, can someone recommend a good water soluble flux to use?

Thanks for any help.

 

[hj]

quote; recommend a good water soluble flux to use?

In my opinion, using the words GOOD and WATER SOLUBLE in the same sentence is an oxymoron. There are "good" fluxes and there a "water soluble" ones. The water soluble fluxes are somewhat difficult to work with because they "burn" very easily and then the joint has to be taken apart and redone.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

For someone that doesn't solder pipe very often, the 'newer' water soluble fluxes ARE a pain. Your technique must be much better than with the older ones. I think those in a 'tinning' version (they have powdered solder in them) are a little more forgiving.

 

[DaveHo]

I'm with hj on this one. As a fairly experienced DIY'er, I've tried the water soluble fluxes & don't like them. Oatey #95 is all I use. Never had a bad joint with it.

 

[DoofusOfTheDay]

What's wrong with the water soluble? Or what's better about the #95. I've used the water soluble and it works fine. What does the #95 offer that makes life easier?

 

[Jadnashua]

#95 is a tinning flux...I think it gives the DIY'er a better indication when the joint is hot enough...the solder in the flux starts to melt, then you know it's time to add the rest to complete the joint.

Plumbing Solder | Oatey

Find the right solder for your plumbing job with Oatey’s line of lead-free solders. Designed to ensure leak-free connections, Oatey Plumbing Solders are NSF-listed and meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, making them safe for potable water line applications.

www.oatey.com

 

[DoofusOfTheDay]

Ah okay, well I'm no plumber but guess I have a feel for when it's hot enough, the copper starts turning color, etc.

 

[Jadnashua]

The other thing the tinning flux does is there's enough solder in it to coat the copper, minimizing the chance of it burning if the flux is all burned out...it is easier to use. Do you need it, certainly not, but for someone that does it rarely, it makes things easier.

 

[Bluebinky]

I used water soluble flux on my last big project. It took a while to get used to lead-free solder and the flux -- a lot less forgiving than the old stuff. After a couple of practice joints, everything was fine. However about a year later when I tried to use it, the flux was bad. Don't remember that happening before...

 

[DoofusOfTheDay]

Well shoot, I was I knew about the #95 all this time. I just grabbed the water soluble as it was there and available years ago when I first had the oppty to sweat pipes. Why does the water soluble exist if it is problematic or when is it supposed to be used?

 

[hj]

quote; guess I have a feel for when it's hot enough, the copper starts turning color, etc.

When you reach that stage, you have overheated the joint and your water soluble flux is burnt. It exists because bureaucrats, who know nothing about most things, thought it was a good idea to mandate it.

 

[DonL]

Flux does have a expiration date.

hj hit the nail on the head.

Anything that is "New and improved" to make your health better is a red flag.

Water base flux will vaporize at a lower temperature.


Put the lid on your flux and in the beer cooler for best results in storage.

 

[Terry]

I use water based flux, but then I've been soldering for years, so it works for me.
I haven't used acid flux in decades.

 

[DonL]

I use water based flux, but then I've been soldering for years, so it works for me.
I haven't used acid flux in decades.

It does work, and you have to use it being in the business.

A homeowner can use Vaseline if they like, but code may not allow it.


In that case KY works fair and is safe.

 

[Terry]

In that case KY works fair and is safe.

I have never tried that. How does that work? And what is the working ingrediant?
I don't think they sell that where I buy my supplies.

 

[DoofusOfTheDay]

quote; guess I have a feel for when it's hot enough, the copper starts turning color, etc.

When you reach that stage, you have overheated the joint and your water soluble flus is burnt. It exists because bureaucrats, who know nothing about most things, thought it was a good idea to mandate it.

Hmm, seems to work okay for me. Haven't had an issue. So was water soluble flux made because the guvment thought it would be less toxic or something? I seriously don't know why there is water soluble if #95 is so much better and easier.

 

[Terry]

Acid flux was eating away the copper in the joint.

https://www.copper.org/about/pressreleases/1997/IndustryUpdate.html

CDA has received reports, from time to time, that the use of overly aggressive fluxes (or excessive application of normally acceptable fluxes) has caused pitting corrosion of soldered copper tube systems.

 

[DonL]

I have never tried that. How does that work? And what is the working ingrediant?
I don't think they sell that where I buy my supplies.

Not really sure but the inert ingredient is water. Just add pipe.

I have made many joints using no flux at all.

Good Prep Cleaning and keeping the torch out of the area where you add solder works. Let a good solder do the work.

I have seen acid core solder and flux eat on copper, The flux needs to be cleaned off.

Your kit was missing Safety glasses, They are a must in my book.


I am no pro, as you know.

 

[BobL43]

It does work, and you have to use it being in the business.

A homeowner can use Vaseline if they like, but code may not allow it.


In that case KY works fair and is safe.

if you use KY and get the job inspected Don, you're screwed. Be careful. It's only allowed in Louisville and Lexington Kentucky.

 

[BobL43]

Not really sure but the inert ingredient is water. Just add pipe.

I have made many joints using no flux at all.

Good Prep Cleaning and keeping the torch out of the area where you add solder works. Let a good solder do the work.

I have seen acid core solder and flux eat on copper, The flux needs to be cleaned off.

Your kit was missing Safety glasses, They are a must in my book.


I am no pro, as you know.

Don, are you using 6/40 rosin flux electronics solder? Lol.