Does plumbing solder go bad?

The short answer is yes, plumbing solder can go bad over time. However, how long solder lasts depends on several factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about plumbing solder shelf life and when it’s time to replace your solder.

What is Plumbing Solder?

Plumbing solder, also known as tinning flux, is a metal alloy used to join copper pipes and fittings in plumbing systems. It creates a sealed, watertight connection between two copper components.

The most common type of solder used in plumbing is 95/5 tin/antimony or 95/5 tin/silver. This means it contains 95% tin and 5% antimony or silver. The tin provides the strength of the solder joint, while the antimony/silver improves the flow characteristics of the molten solder.

Does Solder Expire?

Yes, solder does have a shelf life and can expire over time. The expiry date of solder depends on several factors:

  • Chemical composition – Solders with higher tin content tend to last longer.
  • Quality of ingredients – High purity metals increase shelf life.
  • Manufacturing standards – Proper mixing and contamination control improves longevity.
  • Package integrity – Unopened, undamaged packaging prevents oxidation.
  • Storage conditions – Cool, dark places slow degradation.

Higher quality solders stored properly in sealed containers can last upwards of 10 years or more before expiring. Lower quality solders or solders stored in hot, humid, or sunny environments may only last 2-3 years.

How Does Solder Degrade Over Time?

There are several ways plumbing solder degrades during storage and shortens its shelf life:

Oxidation

Exposure to oxygen causes the metals in solder to oxidize over time. This forms an oxide layer on the surface, preventing the metals from flowing and adhering properly during soldering. Even sealed solder contains small air pockets that can cause oxidation.

Evaporation of Flux

Solder includes a rosin-based flux that cleans and prepares the copper surfaces to accept the solder. Over time, the flux can evaporate or absorb moisture from the air. This reduces its effectiveness at preventing oxidation during soldering.

Separation of Alloys

Improper mixing during manufacturing can lead to separation of metals in the solder alloy over long periods. This changes the physical properties and melting point, reducing the strength and flow.

Absorption of Moisture

Humidity and small amounts of moisture in the packaging can be absorbed by the flux over time. This can make the flux runny and less effective.

Crystal Realignment

The molecular structure of solder can realign into larger crystals over time. This ultimately makes the solder more brittle and prone to cracking and weak joints.

Signs Your Solder Has Gone Bad

Here are some telltale signs that indicate your plumbing solder may have expired or gone bad:

  • White, chalky oxidation on surface
  • Grainy or gritty texture
  • Dull, faded appearance
  • Failure to melt properly
  • Produces poor quality joints
  • Roopy, runny flux
  • Cracked solder wire

Any physical changes to the appearance, texture or melting properties are clues your solder may be past its prime and need replacing.

How to Store Solder Properly

To maximize the shelf life of your plumbing solder follow these storage tips:

  • Keep solder in its original airtight packaging until use.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
  • Avoid storage in garages, sheds or workshops with temperature extremes.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight, which accelerates oxidation.
  • Store solder off concrete floors, which can transfer moisture.
  • Place in sealable plastic bins to protect from dust and debris.
  • Avoid piles or bundles which apply pressure and damage the wire.

With proper storage, high-quality solder can remain usable for up to 10 years. Throw away any solder past its expiration date or showing signs of degradation.

Can Expired Solder Damage My Plumbing?

Using expired solder that doesn’t melt or flow properly can lead to leaky joints in your plumbing system. The consequences of leaky solder joints include:

  • Water damage to walls, floors and ceilings
  • Growth of mold and mildew
  • Damage to personal property
  • Erosion and leakage at joints
  • High water bills from leaks
  • Possibility of joint failure and flooding

To avoid damage, it’s recommended to replace any solder past its expiration date. Look for signs of separation, crystallization, oxidation or damage to know if it’s time to get fresh solder.

Does Solder Ever Fully Go Bad?

Strictly speaking, solder doesn’t ever fully go “bad”. Expired solder can still melt, flow and joint copper pieces together. However, the joint quality and strength will be significantly weaker and more prone to failure compared to fresh solder.

Oxidation and flux evaporation impede the soldering process, resulting in incomplete joints. Separation and crystallization within the solder leads to poor melting characteristics. All these factors combine to make expired solder risky to use.

So while old solder won’t be entirely ineffective, it will be nowhere near as reliable and safe as solder within its expiration date. The minimal savings aren’t worth the costs of major leaks or damage from solder joint failures.

Can You Use Expired Solder in an Emergency?

In an emergency situation without access to fresh solder, it’s possible to use expired solder for temporary repairs. This is far from ideal, but can work in a pinch. Here are some tips to mitigate risk:

  • Use acid flux to remove surface oxidation before applying solder.
  • Avoid large, complicated joints. Opt for simple connections.
  • Reinforce completed joints with epoxy/putty.
  • Wrap joints with adhesive tape for added strength.
  • Test joints under pressure to check for leaks.
  • Plan to re-solder permanent joints once fresh solder is available.

Keep in mind that joints made with expired solder are prone to premature failure. They should not be considered permanent repairs. Replace them with better quality joints as soon as you can get fresh solder.

How Long Does Unopened Solder Last?

Unopened, factory-sealed solder has a very long shelf life. Here are typical timeframes for unopened solder stored properly:

  • Tin/Lead Solder – Up to 20+ years before degrading
  • Tin/Antimony Solder – Approx 10+ years when stored in ideal conditions
  • Tin/Silver Solder – Up to 10+ years before oxidation occurs
  • Solid Core Wire Solder – Up to 15 years before crystal realignment
  • Rosin Core Wire Solder – 5-7 years as flux evaporates over time

Higher tin concentrations and metal purity enable some solder to last decades when kept sealed. But rosin core solder has a shorter shelf life around 5-10 years due to flux evaporation. Follow all storage best practices to maximize shelf life of unopened solder.

Does Solder Expire If Kept in Original Packaging?

Keeping solder sealed in its original packaging greatly extends its shelf life and delays expiration. Unopened packages prevent oxidation from air exposure. But solder can still degrade over time while sealed due to:

  • Moisture absorption by flux
  • Evaporation of volatile flux ingredients
  • Gradual metal crystallization
  • Impurities allowing oxidation

These degradation processes are slowed, but still occur in sealed solder over decades. So original packaging extends the expiry date, but does not eliminate it. Old solder sealed in original packaging will still eventually expire and go bad.

How to Determine if Sealed Solder is Still Good?

It can be difficult to determine if old solder still sealed in packaging is still good to use. Here are some methods to test sealed solder:

  • Inspect for damage/cracks to packaging that allow air exposure.
  • Look for visible oxidation through clear packaging.
  • Feel wire solder through pack for grittiness or cracks.
  • Check for crystal formation and separation of metals.
  • Carefully flex wire to test for brittleness.
  • Review manufacturing date codes if present.
  • Melt a small sample to test flow characteristics.

If old solder shows any flaws during inspection, it’s best to replace it. Melting a sample is the best way to test if sealed solder is still usable. Discard any solder showing poor melting, flowing, or bonding properties.

Can You Use 50 Year Old Solder?

Using 50 year old solder is not recommended. Even sealed, unused solder that old will have degraded significantly over decades of storage. Issues with solder over 50 years old include:

  • Complete evaporation and degradation of flux
  • Heavy surface oxidation
  • Internal separation of metals
  • Increased brittleness and crystallization
  • Greatly reduced melting point
  • Poor fluidity when melted
  • Weak bonding ability

Attempting to use 50 year old solder will likely result in very poor joints prone to immediate leakage. The spattered melted solder may also damage nearby surfaces. In some rare cases sealed old solder may still work, but it’s generally not worth the risk of plumbing damage.

Does Refrigerating Solder Extend Its Life?

Refrigerating unopened solder can help extend its usable shelf life by slowing the chemical processes that degrade solder over time. Benefits of refrigerated solder storage include:

  • Slows flux evaporation and moisture absorption.
  • Minimizes oxidation reactions.
  • Reduces effects of temperature swings.
  • Lessens risk of flux liquefaction.
  • Maintains consistent cool temperatures.

Refrigerators provide an enclosed space with stable, cool temperatures around 40°F. This significantly delays solder degradation compared to room temperature storage. Place solder in a clearly labeled airtight container when refrigerating.

What Temperature Should Solder Be Stored At?

The ideal storage temperature for solder is 65-75°F. Temperatures in this range minimize oxidation and flux evaporation. Here are the recommended temperature guidelines for solder storage:

  • Short Term Storage: 65-75°F
  • Long Term Storage: 55-65°F
  • Refrigerated Storage: 35-50°F
  • Avoid Freezing: Below 32°F may damage packaging.
  • Avoid Heat: Above 90°F accelerates deterioration.

Constant temperatures in a climate controlled space are best. Avoid storage in attics, sheds, garages or other areas with temperature swings above 90°F or below 32°F. The cooler the temperature, the better for minimizing solder degradation.

Does Reflowing Restore Expired Solder?

Reflowing is the process of re-melting aged solder to restore its properties. This can restore degraded solder to a usable state, but has limited effectiveness. Advantages include:

  • Resets the alloy crystals and structure.
  • Allows flux to be reabsorbed into the solder.
  • Mixes and redistributes separated metals.
  • Removes some surface oxidation.

However, reflowing has disadvantages as well:

  • Cannot replace missing flux or metals lost to evaporation.
  • May not remove all internal oxidation.
  • Metals can re-separate after solidifying.
  • Does not restore expired flux.

Reflowing can extend the life of solder temporarily but does not reverse all degradation. The effect is limited on very old solder. Fresh solder will still make the strongest joints.

Can You Use Car Radiator Solder for Plumbing?

Using solder designed for car radiators is not recommended for plumbing systems. Automotive solder has different properties and alloys compared to plumbing solder, including:

  • Higher lead content up to 50%. Plumbing solder is typically only 1-2% lead.
  • More acidic flux formulas designed for copper and brass.
  • Lower melting point around 375°F. Plumbing solder melts around 450°F.
  • Greater flexibility for vibration resistance.
  • Potentially more impurities and contamination.

While it’s possible to use radiator solder in a pinch, the joint strength and longevity will be reduced. Stick to solders designed for potable water systems for reliable plumbing joints. Only use plumbing or electrical grade fluxes as well.

Is Old Solder Safe for Drinking Water?

Using expired, oxidized solder for potable plumbing systems can potentially contaminate drinking water over time. Issues with old solder include:

  • Higher lead content that can leach into water.
  • Antimony and flux residue contamination.
  • More prone to pinhole leaks and erosion.
  • Oxidation byproducts entering the water.

To avoid consuming contaminated water, it’s best to only use lead-free solder within its expiration date for any potable water piping repairs. Also be sure to flush pipes thoroughly after soldering to clear residue.

Conclusion

While solder does not have an indefinite shelf life, it can last many years if stored properly in its original sealed packaging. Over time, solder degrades due to oxidation, flux evaporation, and metal crystallization. Signs of expired solder include changes in appearance and poor melting characteristics. Using old, damaged solder risks leaks and plumbing system damage.

To maximize shelf life, solder should be kept sealed at stable cool temperatures between 55-75°F. Refrigeration can extend the lifespan of solder. While not recommended, expired solder can be used very temporarily in emergencies with caution. But for reliable joints, it’s best to replace any solder past its expiration date.

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