2 small leaks on lead waste pipe - advice please

richleeds

Hi

We have a pipe that carries kitchen sink/dishwasher/bath and wash basin waste outside, it travels about 10 metres to get out and in the last 3 metres 2 small holes have appeared.

Each hole as small as a nail puncture and when we let out the bath for example a small trickle will come from each hole.

We were only alerted to the leaks today by the neighbour underneath us.

House was built in the 1700s and Ive read somewhere that your water provider may have some liability on houses built before 1937, but not sure if this includes lead waste pipes. (Yorkshire water in our case).

The pipe is very awkward to get to, we have to climb into a tiny cupboard then crawl along to the leaks, looking at some info tonight one suggestion is electrictians tape to put around the pipe, trouble is the pipe is so close to the ground and has pipes very close to it on either side, that you cannot pass the tape round and round the pipe to get a nice secure fit.

Will replace the pipe in the near future but just to see us through the next few days, any suggestions for a quick fix?

Thanks
Rich

ariba10

If it is as you say a small hole,

A wood screw, screwed part way in.

ormus

any screw will do it, but a self tapping screw is better.
or try hitting it gently with a small hammer. that can sometimes seal a hole in lead.
remember lead is very soft.

vaio

Given the inaccessibility I’d stay away from hitting or screws as they could go horribly wrong and make matters worse resulting in a “distress” renewal being needed.

I’d go for some sort of stick on patch, aluminium gaffer tape or similar, this should keep things watertight until you can plan in a proper repair /renewal

1984ReturnsForReal_2

ormus wrote: »

any screw will do it, but a self tapping screw is better.
or try hitting it gently with a small hammer. that can sometimes seal a hole in lead.
remember lead is very soft.

I thought Zinc reacted with lead.........

ariba10

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

I thought Zinc reacted with lead.........

The OP asked for a quick fix and would get a plumber later.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

ariba10 wrote: »

The OP asked for a quick fix and would get a plumber later.

I didn't read that..

Steve_xx

I would try and fix it by dropping superglue into the holes until they sealed, or mix some Araldite and use that to patch the area.

ormus

who mentioned a zinc screw?:)

1984ReturnsForReal_2

ormus wrote: »

who mentioned a zinc screw?:)

I did....

Answer my magnetic scale inhibitor thread...

I really have no idea how long they last for or whether they are bl*ody eternal??....

eco-friendly_2

Insert a wooden toothpick, the wood will swell and seal the leak.