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    bassett's Avatar
    bassett Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 15, 2009, 06:43 PM
    Solder\Flux taste and smell
    Hi We just had some new copper installed in the basement for a second bathroom. Our guy tied into the existing lines and used a non lead solder. Now my cold water tap in the upper bathroom (which I can see has been soldered to accommodate the basement piping) has a very strong flux/solder taste and smell. The hot water is fine and we have ran the taps with the aerator off for over an hour in total and still the same. There was some pieces of solder in the aerator. My worry is- will this go away in time?Thanks
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 15, 2009, 08:20 PM

    It should go away fairly quickly if used regularly. Remove and clean the aerator and possible the mixing valves. Personally, I'd be calling your "guy" on a call back and have him do the task. Is this the only location that has the bad smell/taste? You aren't tasting solder but it could be flux.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 15, 2009, 11:03 PM

    I agree with Ballanberg: it will be gone with use, probably in couple of days.
    bassett's Avatar
    bassett Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Nov 16, 2009, 02:45 PM

    To Ballenger: yes this is the only spot with the taste and smell. And I noticed it is also a little bit in hot water too. It has been 3 days since the job was done. Where are the mixing valves? I have already cleaned out the aerator. Thanks to both of you.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #5

    Nov 16, 2009, 02:50 PM

    The knob you hold and turn is the exposed part of a mixing valve. The hot will clear first since hot water acts a bit like a solvent compared to cold water. I would just turn on the cold and allow it to run full blast for 15 minutes. It is a waste of water but it will clear quicker.
    bassett's Avatar
    bassett Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Nov 16, 2009, 03:30 PM

    Thanks again. I have already flushed both taps for at least an hour in total and it has not really fixed the problem. I guess I should wait a few more days?
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