Gas pipe in chimney stack?

[carathers]

We are in the process of replacing an old gas fire and surround (already disconnected and gone) and after pulling the plaster off the chimney stack this is what we uncovered.

Gaspipe

• carathers
• 31 Aug 2019

Plasterers due in next week and this is surely going to get in the way.

House is an 1800’s terrace, was this common practice and is it likely to be ‘live’ or can it be removed?

Thanks for any thoughts ...

 

[Mike2007]

Get a man in to sort it out, won't take him long.

 

[Madrab]

Could be the old gas lighting distribution pipe, I would think they would be long gone off the main by now but to avoid any issue then get a Gas Safe chap in.

 

[carathers]

Ah yes, I’d imagine that’s exactly what it is!

Oddly we had one in the bedroom also (on an exterior wall). Plasterer assumed that was a water pipe and plastered it right back into the wall!

Think they’ll struggle with this one though so need to find a gas man, sharpish!

Thanks!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

We are in the process of replacing an old gas fire and surround (already disconnected and gone) and after pulling the plaster off the chimney stack this is what we uncovered.

If you can trace your gas pipes along there entire length from the meter, plus the entire length of any branches, with absolutely no signs of any old lead pipes being attached, you will be safe to take those old lead ones out.

Another way to trace them would be with a cheap cable and pipe tracer, to see where the old pipes go.

If you cannot do that - get someone gas qualified in.

It was common to just fold lead pipes over back in the day, to seal them - as seems to have happened then.

 

[ianmcd]

Agree that it is probably an old gas light pipe, probably disconnected but I wouldnt take that for granted

 

[carathers]

<snip>

If you cannot do that - get someone gas qualified in.

Agreed, one for someone with more knowledge than me and preferably a safety certificate!

There are both copper and lead pipes from the meter so I’m not dabbling!

Thanks

 

[durhamplumber]

you can trace your gas pipes along there entire length from the meter, plus the entire length of any branches, with absolutely no signs of any old lead pipes being attached, you will be safe to take those old lead ones out.

Poor advice.Have gas man check it.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Poor advice.Have gas man check it.

OP has said he can see both copper and old lead pipes connected at the meter, so yes it needs someone gas qualified to sort it out.