SylvanLMP
quote:
Originally posted by Wallingford Plm+Htg:
Sylvan How do you get at the lead bend if it’s in between the floor and cieling?
GREAT Question FINALLY.
Depending on the severity of the damage of a lead bend whether it has to be replaced or can be repaired.
Obviously if the lead bend separated from the bad ferrule we have to replace it completely BUT if it is just a minor split I “lead wipe” from the inside of the 4″ lead bend.
The NYC Master plumber Exam would not allow any lead wiped joint to be made with a torch ONLY using a ladle and cloth
Thankfully having mastered this type of application we do not have to expose an open flame to dried wood.
By using proper preparation like shave hooks to remove the existing oxidation and using either sperm candle or non acid type fluxes I can take a small ladle of warranted Flemico #1 solder 40-60 and heat it in this ladle and then pour it on my wiping cloth and wipe the molten solder over the split and working it till it becomes very smooth to prevent rough edges to cause future stoppages.
Of course this “Art” form doesn’t come cheap as most lead wipers do not use gloves as we have to feel the consistency of this alloy.
Too hot burns a hole through the existing lead too cold and it sticks.
The preparation is everything the actual lead wiping takes about 6-10 minutes.
A lot of times this job can be performed without breaking any tiles BUT any “plumber” who does this type of repair for under $525 per HR or any part there of is giving away his/her talent.
Do folks ask a surgeon HOW much they charge per hour Or ask an artist how long the painting/sculture took to make?
THINK about how much damage you do when replacing a lead bend?
When most mechanics are finished the poor victims have to hire a tile man, painter, carpenter plus lots of dust and other debris. are scattered al over the place.
Here we do internal repairs and everyone wins INCLUDING the insurance companies as this kind of repair saves them a fortune
Hey dont forget to place a rag inside the lead pipe to
1- conserve heat so the solder doesnt go solid too fast AND
2-Keep the spilled alloy from causing a blockage down stream.
by using a rag you can remove the spilled solder and reuse it on another job.
You got to admit for under $4.00 worth of materials it feels great knowing you just created a work of long lasting art like an artist takes a plain piece of cheap canvas
Who is to say how much it is worth?
