lead pipes to copper joint

[deggers316]

can old lead pipes be sucessfully joined by a compression joint to new copper fittings as the one i have under my bath (the hot pipe) has spung a leak twice from the compression nut on the lead pipe end

[Clanad]

Not a good idea... there are copper adaptors that can join the two metals, but you will end up with bigger problems than before, because the reaction between the galvanized iron and the copper creates additional corrosion in the galvanized pipe. When the copper pipes are added to the old iron ones, you will get leaks as the older pipes break down even faster than before. You should use a dielectric union as described here: http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/plumbing/sy stems/components/union_de/intro.htm
Best of luck!

[BillyBB]

Lead to copper can be 'sweated' together by an old school plumber.

[Hard@it]

You can get lead to copper joints but you must ensure that you fit it in such a way that the pressure does not blow it off.
Go to your local plumber merchants and describe what you want. Cheers Hard@it.

[Hard@it]

Meant to say, they are in potable plastic so there is no reaction.

[purplehat]

Yes, but you need the correct lead to copper fittings. Any decent plumbing retailer will have them. You will need to know the sizes of both pipes.