Is this Victorian pipe gas, or water?

sourpuss2021

I've just opened up an alcove and found this pipe sticking out!   I'm not sure if it's for gas or water, or if it's still connected to anything.  I understand the best thing to do is take up the floorboards and see where it goes.   But would prefer to just chop it off, if possible!

It's in a room that will have originally been a bedroom.  It's in the alcove to the left of where there was a fireplace.   One guess I had is it might be the remaining section of what was once a Victorian gas-powered wall light.

What do you think it looks like, and should I call the plumber or the gas engineer to remove it?  By the way I haven't tried just turning the valve and seeing what comes out 

travis-powers

Gas 100% best not to turn the lever as may be live!

Ebe_Scrooge

I'd agree - almost certainly gas.  Get a GSR engineer to check it out, see whether it's live or not, and he/she can disconnect it safely if it does turn out to be live.

Section62

sourpuss2021 said:

It's in a room that will have originally been a bedroom.  It's in the alcove to the left of where there was a fireplace.   One guess I had is it might be the remaining section of what was once a Victorian gas-powered wall light.

Quite possible it was the supply to a gas fire installed in the fireplace.  Probably not Victorian either as it looks like there's PTFE on some of the threads.

Not a DIY job, and don't be tempted to turn the valve on as it may not shut off fully afterwards.

sourpuss2021

Thanks all for your answers!  

Sorry for the appalling drip-feed of information, but this room is now used as a kitchen.  (It's a house converted into flats). Yesterday I had a Gas Safe guy come round and disconnect the gas hob which was on the worktop that was to the right of this pipe.   Then I ripped off the old counter and units and cut  away the plasterboard to reveal the alcove... And this pipe!  

The combi-boiler is on the far side of the same wall, by the window.  So the gas-pipe comes up through the floorboard, then branches left for the hob connection as well as up to the boiler.  But it's perfectly possible there's another branch under the floorboard that goes across the room to this alcove pipe.

So.... Time to call the Gas Safe guy back here!    He will need to come back when I get a new cooker but I'm not ready for that so it'll have to be a different visit....

travis-powers

That’s really unfortunate timing, can it wait until they come back or are you putting a unit in the alcove?

Gavin83

I agree with the others that it's not a good idea to just turn the valve on to see what comes out. However if you are tempted to do this at least make sure you've got the right fitting and tools next to you to cap that pipe should the valve not shut off. 

sourpuss2021

I've just taken up the floorboard.   Found a UHT milk carton which I don't think the Victorians were much into!   And yes I can see PTFE on the threads.

The alcove is to have floor to ceiling shelves and the plasterer is coming next week with joiner to follow.  And electrician here tomorrow to make safe the wires/sockets that were further up on the plasterboard.

I eventually want to get a lino down on the floor, which will need plywood down on the wood floors first.   Therefore not really ready to get the new oven yet.   So I think it will need to be repeat visits by the Gas Safe guy

Eldi_Dos

@ sourpuss2021, you were pondering about remains of Victorian gas lighting.

In my very limited experience of that it was a lead pipe about the diameter of microbore heating pipe, it was in the wall and plastered over, with a brass y shaped fitting were it branched. When removed it was capped at both ends but still gave a hiss and smell of gas after what we thought would be sixty plus years since electricity had been put in.

Hope this is helpful if you ever come across it in future works.

bris

Theres a new gas pipe to the right of it, did the GSR guy not check it whilst there?

Eldi_Dos

Not my area of experience but does that new gas supply and socket meet regulations about separation?