ChatterBank3 mins ago
Old Lead Underground Pipe Leak
I was pulling and hauling at a tree stump in the garden.
I heard a pop sound and later discovered the hole filling with water. I have turned water off outside in the street, dug down and found a lead pipe leaking.
Can a lead pipe be repaired.
Answers
I would agree with replacing the entire length, but sometimes that's impracticable.
In the old days, a plumber would cut out a short length of the pipe, and 'sweat' a joint by pushing a length of copper pipe inside the lead and soldering it in. Obviously applying this to both ends. I've done it, but it's not easy.
Today, it's usually avoided (probably against all the rules now.) For above ground, brass 'lead-loc' fittings each end with the short length of copper.
For below ground... much the same thing but using blue poly pipe and plastic screw-up 'lead-loc' fittings.
Although they all originally installed the link from Main to Residence, some time ago the Privatised Water Companies disclaimed responsibility for repair of this pipe and passed the responsibility on to the resident. All part of the profits-before-people policy they now adopt.
You will need to pay them to do it or get a plumber in.
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