Immersion chiller questions

[brew703]

My LHBS gave me a good deal on a chiller when I started brewing last year. The issue always was the height. The curve did not reach the lip of my kettle. I would have to raise and rest the bend on the lip. This would raise the chiller a little out of the kettle therefore could not utilize the entire chiller.

So I figured I would make an adjustment and extend the neck.

I cut the fittings and extended by 12" to accommodate my needs. I used lead free solder for the job. It's not the prettiest but it doesn't leak, at least not that I can see.

My question: will the solder have any affect on the wort when the chiller is put in at the 10 min remaining mark? I also had a drip that you can see in the below photo.

I've also looked at the Jaded Brewing mantis and their 3/8" 25' chiller. I mainly brew 2-5 gallon batches. For those who have one of these chillers which do you recommend? I'm leaning towards the 3/8" chiller as its half the cost of the mantis.
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1461632513.685890.jpg

 

[day_trippr]

If it doesn't leak, it's fine, no need to replace it. The wort won't know the difference.

If you cared you could knock the blobs off with a file then polish the whole thing up with 400 grit emery cloth or 000 steel wool, then wash it thoroughly...

Cheers!

 

[mike_23us]

It'll be fine, I soldered my manifold in My mash tun and it's fine. Water pipes all across America are made of the same type of material. Drink a beer dude.

 

[MaryB]

Lead free solder is mostly tin and silver and won't dissolve in beer acid levels at a rate to cause any issues.