Replacing lead water pipe

[sam8364]

Hi,

I have one remaining lead water pipe in the house which runs internally from the stop cock through the house. The main water pipe rises above floor level at the rear of the kitchen where it is a copper pipe. I have followed the lead pipe from the stop cock - under the floor boards to the kitchen where it disappears under a solid floor - so I am not sure where the lead ends and the copper starts.

Obviously I want to replace the lead piping, but some idiot has laid a concrete floor in the kitchen over the pipe and I do not want to dig up the floor as replacing the dmp etc will cost loads.

The plan it to run a new pipe around the edge of the kitchen at skirting board height where it will be hidden behing units for all but 3'. Then connect it where the current pipe comes up from under the floor and leave the old lead pipe in place

My question is this (phew - got there in the end) - are you allowed to run the main water pipe above floor level and if so what sort of pipe does it need to be? I would have though plastic could be a bit vulnerable?

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

Sam

 

[fitz1]

use copper.

 

[ChrisR]

use copper.

And insulate it or it might run wet with condensation.

 

[sam8364]

Cheers chaps,

I am guessing there is no regulation to stop me running this pipe along the wall - or leaving the old pipe disused in the floor?

P.S. Chris, are you really in antartica?