We've come a long way

[d b]

(03-22-2014 03:53 AM)Didier Lachieze Wrote:  

(03-21-2014 09:51 PM)Garth Wilson Wrote:  It has to be lead-free for the European market, but not the American or that of many other countries.

Doesn't California requires lead-free solder ?

Building code in my town since the very late '80s demands lead free solder for joining copper and brass in water pipes. I'm guessing this goes for all of California and maybe UBC (which is advisory for all 50 states) That might be where you heard it. The silver solder is stronger but needs more heat and is a little bit harder to use in tight positions and with valves. I've been lucky with it so far.
BTW: UBC is advisory not because of soft regulation, but because some solutions that work in Florida aren't so useful in northern Alaska and a house at 8000' in California or Colorado has different challenges than a shotgun house in New Orleans.