Lead pipe/stopcock problem

JamesThompson · 15 Sep 2011

Hello, I have a problem here I'd like to fix if possible: I have a stopcock coming in, under my sink units, which is lead, the stopcock is brass I think and the pipe from it is copper. The pipe goes up the loft, tank. The trouble is, the lead side is weeping, water is coming out, not too much, but probably about a cup full a day. Where the stopcock takes the lead pipe, that is where the weep is from.

Can I fix this?

ChrisOxford · 15 Sep 2011

Can you turn off the water before this stopcock too, e.g. on your driveway or on the pavement?

Is there plenty of undamaged lead pipe leading up to where it's connected to the stopcock you mention, as opposed to just a tiny bit poking up through the floor?

If yes to both, and you're good at DIY plumbing, then possibly yes.

Otherwise definitely call in a pro.

JamesThompson · 15 Sep 2011

I did call in a pro and he said he didn't want to touch the lead!! But yes I am quite good at diy. Reason I called a pro in is because I was busy at work, but am off from now til Tuesday. What would your suggestions be?

JamesThompson · 15 Sep 2011

JamesThompson said:
I did call in a pro and he said he didn't want to touch the lead!! But yes I am quite good at diy. Reason I called a pro in is because I was busy at work, but am off from now til Tuesday. What would your suggestions be?

Also I have a stopcock ijn the street but have not used it before.

bobthebender · 15 Sep 2011

If you can shut the water off then fit a leadlock fitting like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDLDbc8-Qe8&feature=related

then fit a stoptap after the fitting.

JamesThompson · 15 Sep 2011

Thanks for your help

What size leadlock will I need? Are they easy to fit, for normal diyers like me??

bobthebender · 15 Sep 2011

There are a few sizes so you will/might need to take a small piece with you.
probably 1/2 inch code 7

but could be 3/4 so take a piece with you.

Burnerman · 15 Sep 2011

James, absolutely no disrespect here but lead work aint for the beginner, although leadlocs are great pieces of kit.....so long as the lead pipe hasn't been brayed oval!
Try to make it easy for a plumber who know whats what, and give him plenty of access to the work - but good luck if you decide to give it a go!
John

JamesThompson · 15 Sep 2011

is a normal pipe slice ok for lead or will a hacksaw be needed to take asample down to the plumbing shop?!

bobthebender · 15 Sep 2011

Hacksaw......but like burnerman says it could be tricky

I've been plumbing for nearly 40 years so it's easy for me to say but good luck if you go for it....easy

JamesThompson · 15 Sep 2011

my local plumber said no to it..... so!!!!!! I'll have a go though as have time and am confident

Burnerman · 15 Sep 2011

Plenty of plumbers have had success with this, but unfortunately with my first time the lead curved into the wall, it had been forced oval due to the bending, and I had to dig it out from the stone to get a good fix.....not a good initiation! Great if you have plenty of time in case something goes wrong, but anxious otherwise!
John

(Who's not a plumber, either)

ChrisOxford · 15 Sep 2011

Access under a sink can be a p.i.t.a. To add to the fun, mine is wedged in a corner and half plastered/tiled over. I refurbed it rather than messing around with the lead.

View media item 37650
And if things go wrong, you'll be left with no water and will need to call a professional who will no doubt charge you £££ if you need them straight away.

Do make sure the stop valve in the road works properly, and that it only affects your property, not the neighbours' too!

Good luck though.

Burnerman · 15 Sep 2011

Good post mate

We wonder why his usual plumber didn't want to give it a go

John

ChrisOxford · 15 Sep 2011

Thanks, John.

That pic was taken last year when I replaced the kitchen. When I did the work on the stop valve, it was buried under a kitchen unit with a sink on top, and was horrendously difficult to get at.

I spent hours with just my legs poking out of the cupboard, hands stuck down a ragged hole in the cupboard's base, wearing a head torch trying to free the headgear with a blowlamp, PlusGas, loads of different spanners and so on, praying that I wasn't going to rip it off the leadwork.

It worked a treat, but not something I'd like to do again

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Lead pipe/stopcock problem

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