My house has Lead Solder on One of the Pipes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential hazards associated with lead solder used in plumbing, specifically in the context of a household water system. Participants explore concerns about lead exposure through drinking water, cooking, and showering, as well as the implications for both adults and children.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the use of lead solder near the water heater and the potential for lead ingestion through cooking and showering.
  • Another participant argues that lead solder should not be used, but suggests that minimal contact with water from a few connections is unlikely to pose a significant hazard.
  • Some participants note that the worst effects of lead exposure are primarily a concern for developing children, implying that adults face less risk.
  • There is a suggestion that replacing the lead solder with lead-free options would eliminate any potential risk.
  • One participant humorously remarks that the only hazard from the solder might be physical damage from breaking pipes.
  • Another participant mentions that homes older than 20 years likely contain lead solder in all joints, referencing a change in regulations around 1990.
  • Concerns are raised about a teenager who has been in contact with lead, with discussions about the necessity of washing hands to avoid ingestion.
  • Humorous exchanges occur regarding the teenager's behavior and the implications of lead exposure, with some light-hearted comments about adolescence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the risks associated with lead solder, with no clear consensus on whether the solder poses a significant hazard. Some participants downplay the risk, while others emphasize the importance of caution, particularly for children.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the extent of lead leaching from solder and the specific conditions under which it may pose a risk. The discussion also reflects varying levels of concern based on age and exposure scenarios.

dimensionless
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Some time in the past my father took it upon himself to due a little plumbing. He decided that it was okay to use solder that contained lead to connect two pipes right near the output of the water heater. His reasoning was that we would not get lead poisoning because we could always use cold water for cooking and drinking and also because one joint would not cause all that much lead in the first place.

My parents say they only use cold water for cooking, but they are careless and regularly use warm water by mistake. My other concern was showering. Shower steam would appear to be another route of possible ingestion.

Does this solder pose a hazard?
 
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In theory, lead solder shouldn't be used for pipes, but in reality, and especially if it's only the two ends of one pipe, little to none of that lead is even coming into contact with the water, let alone going to be leaching into it to pose a hazard. Lead in water pipes was a problem when it was what the pipes themselves were made of, so lots of contact with the water for some to get picked up along the way.

Also, the worst effects of lead are in developing children. It's not as much of a risk for adults.

Of course, it really wouldn't take long to just replace that section of pipe with lead-free solder to avoid any chance of a risk.
 
There is probably not a lot of let in just those few connections to cause a problem. Lead-tin solder is fairly common AFAIK. And there is lead-free solder as Moonbear suggested.
 
dimensionless said:
Does this solder pose a hazard?

The only hazard it poses is from breaking, and flooding your house o:)
 
If your house is more than 20 years old then all the joints have lead solder.
IIRC it was sometime around 1990 that they came up with the idea of lead free solder.
If the house is old enough the entire pipe could be made of lead.
 
Or if your hot water is supplied by the Roman aquaduct.
 
Moonbear said:
Also, the worst effects of lead are in developing children. It's not as much of a risk for adults.
My teenager showed up with a lump of lead he'd been carting around for a few weeks. How much do I need to worry?
 
If he washes his hands before sucking on his fingers not at all.
Generally you have to ingest it.

Oh right - teenager. I've had those.
That lump of lead will start functioning as a brain again once he gets into his 20's.:biggrin:
 
NoTime said:
Oh right - teenager. I've had those.
That lump of lead will start functioning as a brain again once he gets into his 20's.:biggrin:
:smile:

But, yeah, as long as he isn't turning it into a lollipop, it'll be fine.
 
  • #10
NoTime said:
If he washes his hands before sucking on his fingers not at all.
Generally you have to ingest it.
I think it's pretty good bet that hands end up in mouths.

NoTime said:
Oh right - teenager. I've had those.
That lump of lead will start functioning as a brain again once he gets into his 20's.:biggrin:
WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
 

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