Lead pipe supply

[jacko555]

I discovered yesterday that we have lead water pipe in the house we've moved in to.

It wasnt picked up on the survey, as the stopcock and pipe is cast iron, so assumed a cast iron supply.

I had the kitchen floor up yesterday and theres a lead pipe connecting to it.

I've some moling people coming next week to check and quote to replace.

Water supply/meter is in the street, buried in an access pipe about 1m deep. This does a 10m straight line (I assume) to the kitchen, then a right angle intontge property.

Anyone want to hazard a cost to replace? Obviously I'll compare quotes, however, it'll be nice to hear your guestimates so I have a baseline.

For what its worth, the checkatrade blog reckons £500/£1000 for a 20m pipe run (https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/main-water-pipe-replacement-cost/)

Am on the sarf coast if that makes a difference

Thanks in advance

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

why do you feel the need to replace it?

 

[jacko555]

why do you feel the need to replace it?

Risks are small but present, especially for children and pregnancy.

Both of which are in my house.

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

looked into changing mine in our previous house. my local water authority told me there’s no evidence of any risk with lead supply pipes. have you rung yours to see if there’s any grants available?

 

[CJRatch]

Are you in an hard water area? If so your pipes will be lined with limescale anyhow. Do a lead water test to.

I to have a lead water main all things considered (hard water area, test fine) I decided to keep it. Precautionary I run the water a little longer before drinking.

 

[JohnD]

Another reason is that it is pretty sure to be old, and could start leaking at any time (or already) and the new pipe will be run in larger bore plastic, promoting improved flow (make sure you have full-bore stopcocks, which are more expensive in larger sizes so the installers may "forget" to fit them.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal, and there is no "safe dose" for it.

 

[jacko555]

my local water authority told me there’s no evidence of any risk with lead supply pipes. have you rung yours to see if there’s any grants available?

No grants anymore. They ended their lead replacement scheme decades ago.

Are you in an hard water area? If so your pipes will be lined with limescale anyhow. Do a lead water test to

As hard as it gets. Water company arranging a test, although, have got a spamazon kit coming. Its a US one, although EPA approved for 15ppb (the max allowed for the US, its 10ppb in the uk)

could start leaking at any time (or already) and the new pipe will be run in larger bore plastic, promoting improved flow (make sure you have full-bore stopcocks, which are more expensive in larger sizes so the installers may "forget" to fit them.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal, and there is no "safe dose" for it.

Agreed on all points. I didnt think about the larger bore, thank you.

I am hoping, although doubting, house insurance may contribute to the cost. Will see tomorrow

 

[EddieM]

Another reason is that it is pretty sure to be old, and could start leaking at any time (or already) and the new pipe will be run in larger bore plastic, promoting improved flow (make sure you have full-bore stopcocks, which are more expensive in larger sizes so the installers may "forget" to fit them.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal, and there is no "safe dose" for it.

Not so, lead is considered an essential trace element required for human life. As is arsenic (I think?)

 

[JohnD]

"Lead is a toxic heavy metal, and there is no "safe dose" for it."

What do you think the "safe dose" is?

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health

I used to know an older builder who developed early-onset alzheimers (before retirement age) diagnosed as caused by exposure to lead, probably when soldering pipes. It was terrible to see his brain deterioration over a matter of months.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717

 

[EddieM]

"Lead is a toxic heavy metal, and there is no "safe dose" for it."

What do you think the "safe dose" is?

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health

I used to know an older builder who developed early-onset alzheimers (before retirement age) diagnosed as caused by exposure to lead, probably when soldering pipes. It was terrible to see his brain deterioration over a matter of months.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717

So is Zinc, so what, it's essential in tiny doses.

 

[JohnD]

I have not seen that stated in any scientific papers about lead. Where did you see it?

 

[EddieM]

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshe...to_Chemistry/1.8:_Essential_Elements_for_Life

 

[JohnD]

I don't see it says lead is essential.

It says lead is typically present, which is not the same thing.

 

[Madrab]

If you are happy to replace then always recommended to remove lead where possible.

It's has been proven to be detrimental to life where enough is absorbed.

Unfortunately though, it is a trace element found in many things these days - from the water we drink to the air we breathe and the human body will absorb and store these heavy metals and finds it very difficult to excrete. Therefore it has a cumulative effect and will invariably be found internally in trace amounts over a lifetime.

If possible I'd always remove anything that could contribute to something that's known to be harmful, whether it's trace amounts or not.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg305.pdf

 

[jacko555]

Lead test kits was negative (so less than 15ppb)

Water company will give me £100 credit if I swap the lead pipe.

They said that the contractor will be able to connect the new supply to the water meter on the boundary. They dont charge / care...

First visit for a quote tomorrow