Pipe in bathroom wall

[HOUSER1980]

Hi all,

Bit if a daft question.

Is there a way of finding out if a copper pipe has water running through it? Been taking plaster off the bathroom wall and have found a random pipe. No idea where it comes from or where it goes too. It is in a really awkward position though so need to move it. Obviously dont want to just cut it. Any advice very much appreciated

Thanks

 

[Scally-Ho]

Expose it then fit a strap-on thermometer. When ready run water and watch the needle. Any movement in either direction will indicate a loaded pipe.

 

[HOUSER1980]

Brilliant that Scally-Ho will definitely give it a try

 

[Scally-Ho]

Brilliant that Scally-Ho will definitely give it a try

It earned me much kudos from a lecturer while I was studying for my masters a life time ago.

 

[Jurassicspark]

Or a much simpler way would be to put your ear near the pipe and tell someone to open a tap, flush the toilet or even use any other plumbing fixture.

If water flows through the pipe, you’ll hear it. If it’s part of the hot water supply, then the pipe will turn warm.

Send a picture too. If it’s a redundant pipe then it may need investigating as dead legs are a no no.

 

[HOUSER1980]

 

[HOUSER1980]

There we go guys. What do you think?

 

[Scally-Ho]

That looks like you have an MT cock, so crack it open and put a bowl under it to see how the flow goes.

 

[Jurassicspark]

I think that’s part of the heating circuit. it’s the return pipe and it’s used to drain the system down via the drain cock.


I’m not a plumber though.

 

[HOUSER1980]

Ive got the boiler off at the mo and drained due to changing the towel rail. Will certainly crack it open and see if anything comes out. Hopefully it closes properly

 

[Scally-Ho]

Ive got the boiler off at the mo and drained due to changing the towel rail. Will certainly crack it open and see if anything comes out. Hopefully it closes properly

Unfortunately, that's always the gamble with MT cocks.

 

[HOUSER1980]

Jurassicspark, strange place to put, under the floor in the bathroom.

 

[HOUSER1980]

Just gave the MT cock valve a turn and nothing. Already appears to be loose in the thread.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Just gave the MT cock valve a turn and nothing. Already appears to be loose in the thread.

That has to be good news for you, but, if possible, try and trace the pipe back to its point of origin.

 

[HOUSER1980]

Will definitely do a bit more investigation. Thanks guys