Replacing lead pipe in cellar

DocQuincy

Our water supply pipe is lead in our cellar. About 5m of it is lead and then everything else in the house is copper.

The pressure is good and am not concerned about the lead content but the pipe is really old, the stopcock is broken (there is another one further on I can use to disconnect the water if I need to) and would like it replaced. I only want it replacing in the cellar, I'm not bothered about the part between our house and the stopcock on the street. The reason being I don't want this old pipe to burst in the cellar. It probably won't but who knows?

Before I speak to a plumber I am trying to look into it first.

1. Would you typically replace it with plastic or copper? Any particular kind of pipe?
2. Does the supply pipe need to conform to any regs or anything? The house is terraced and the lead pipe splits and feeds into the houses either side so not sure if this affects what pipe is used.
3. Any idea what ballpark cost to expect for replacing 5-6m of lead pipe? I'm guess by not having the exterior pipe done, and therefore the excavation, it reducing the cost significantly.

Thanks!

jk0

But it still might burst between where you cut it and where it enters the cellar. The joint to copper in my rental has been weeping, and British Gas have now repaired it.


I wonder if it's possible to get the old lead pipe lined with plastic similar to gas pipes?

FreeBear

jk0 wrote: »

I wonder if it's possible to get the old lead pipe lined with plastic similar to gas pipes?

Unlikely you would be able to get lead pipes lined. Better to use a fitting like this - https://www.toolstation.com/lead-to-copper-coupler/p26411 and then use copper or plastic pipe. As this is in a cellar, would strongly recommend lagging the pipe, and if there is any chance of it freezing, wrap a trace heater round it.

EssexExile

I'd leave it. A lead pipe won't burst, if it starts to weep you just hammer the hole closed.

markin

I think all water companies have a free street lead replacement program so check with them.


Also for lead inside the home "it might be an idea to speak to your local council to see if they have any grants available to help with the cost."




https://www.unitedutilities.com/faq/water-sewer-issues/when-replacing-lead-pipes-can-i-get-help-to-cover-the-cost/

Niv

markin wrote: »

I think all water companies have a free lead replacement program so check with them.

Couple of things. Not all water companies offer this. And, if they do offer this they almost certainly will only change the section of lead pipe they have any responsibility for and are unlikely to change any pipe inside the house. I had the water company round to remove lead pipe and all they changed was from the road to the outside of the house, they will not go further.


edit: I think the water company is only responsible up to the road stopcock but my water company did change it up to the outside wall of the house.

ed110220

If the pipe you're proposing to replace feeds more than one house isn't it the responsibility of the water provider? It may not be, but worth checking. Seems odd to have a pipe in your house supplying neighbouring properties.