How would you deal with this?

[c0wb0y]

Hey folks,

I’m the first house in a row of 5 terraced homes. All 5 are fed from a single blue MDPE mains pipe, and there’s only one stop tap out on the road for the whole block.

I’m building a rear extension and during the strip foundation dig we uncovered the shared water pipe running perpendicular across the footing. (Strip foundation is approx 600mm wide by 1000mm deep).

Normally the pipe could be sleeved or bridged, but this section has two coupler joints in it (see pic). I've uploaded a video too:

VID-20251207-WA0013_1

This is "VID-20251207-WA0013_1" by Paracetomol on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

vimeo.com

I’m not prepared to pour foundations over mechanical joints, and I know Building Control won’t accept it either.

What’s the correct way to deal with this?

 

[CountryFan]

Probably best if you can cut it further back to before and after foundations and join there?

 

[c0wb0y]

The footing was dug alongside the neighbours conservatory on one side so 1 of 2 joins in the pipe will still remain (not sure if that makes sense but plz refer to video)

 

[^woody^]

Looks like your only option is the bridge the pipe by way of one of the standard methods acceptable to building control. You don't' need to get the water authority's agreement for supply pipes but bear in mind there is joint responsibility/liability for all owners in the terrace who are served by this pipe.

You may want to get an experienced person to check those connectors for security first, as access is going to be impossible afterwards.

 

[danfre]

Is that a repair in the past because it looks like it could be lead each end .
I would try to replace as much as possible

 

[c0wb0y]

Is that a repair in the past because it looks like it could be lead each end .
I would try to replace as much as possible

It is...unsure when/who/when but it was uncovered this way.

This has stumped most builders spoken to.

Looks like I may have keep this line for myself, pull it out and redirect elsewhere. And then i'll pay for my immediate neighbour to get their own (so they essentially becomes “house 1 of 4” on the original shared line).

If that makes any sense.

 

[noseall]

Hey folks,

I’m the first house in a row of 5 terraced homes. All 5 are fed from a single blue MDPE mains pipe, and there’s only one stop tap out on the road for the whole block.

I’m building a rear extension and during the strip foundation dig we uncovered the shared water pipe running perpendicular across the footing. (Strip foundation is approx 600mm wide by 1000mm deep).

Normally the pipe could be sleeved or bridged, but this section has two coupler joints in it (see pic). I've uploaded a video too:

VID-20251207-WA0013_1

This is "VID-20251207-WA0013_1" by Paracetomol on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

vimeo.com

I’m not prepared to pour foundations over mechanical joints, and I know Building Control won’t accept it either.

What’s the correct way to deal with this?

Is it possible to cut the pipe so that the repair coupler is outside the building (foundation) footprint, then connect the supply to several meters of MDPE pipe, then re-connect on the far side of your proposed extension - again- outside the building footprint? This way you can do all the excavations and then shorten and re-lay the new MDPE once you have say the concrete poured.

 

[c0wb0y]

Is it possible to cut the pipe so that the repair coupler is outside the building (foundation) footprint, then connect the supply to several meters of MDPE pipe, then re-connect on the far side of your proposed extension - again- outside the building footprint? This way you can do all the excavations and then shorten and re-lay the new MDPE once you have say the concrete poured.

The video shows proximity of footing to the neighbours conservatory. The pic shows 2 joins: disconnecting join1 to re-route pipe is straightforward but I still have to reconnect to join2 to ensure neighbours continue to receive supply.

What are the chances of finding 2 joins slap bang on in the middle of my footings!!

 

[c0wb0y]

Is that a repair in the past because it looks like it could be lead each end .
I would try to replace as much as possible

Im wondering if I remove the plastic repair section and solder joint it...and then continue with bridging / sleeving....thoughts? The logic is soldering is permanent and won't leak

 

[danfre]

Soldering is not allowed on portable water

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Only way of 'Soldering' Lead pipe is by way of a 'Wiped Joint', old school and not many left that know how to do it. Tried and tested modern method is with Plastic fittings, as you have already, Water Co use them and done properly, they've no more chance of leaking than any other joint.

Looks like that section may be a repair for a previous leak anyway. Noseall's suggestion is probably your best option going forward, unless you're willing to pay for a new service into each of the Neighbours properties.

Any Lead replacement scheme in you area from the Water Company?