Cold water main failed - should I complain to the manufacturer?

[Mike Jackson]

Had to dig up a front path to replace a cold water main today. Not a long path fortunately, just over 6 feet, but do you think the householder has any redress against the pipe manufacturer? I've tried looking on the pipe for any sort of logo but just can't find one. I think the main was put in when the house was built in 1872, surely it's not too much to ask the pipe to last more than a paltry 141 years?

I also found the original main stop tap under the floor by the front door. Interestingly it's not actually a stop tap but a brass and copper plug cock. It's seized solid but it wasn't leaking.


CQ9R7944 by Mike Jackson1, on Flickr


CQ9R7939 by Mike Jackson1, on Flickr


CQ9R7937 by Mike Jackson1, on Flickr


CQ9R7936 by Mike Jackson1, on Flickr

 

[SimonG]

One for the British Plumbing museum.

 

[mutley racers]

That's awesome. Never seen one of those before

 

[Howsie]

Good luck with that.

 

[Rickster123]

Bit of ptfe around the packing and a squirt of wd40?!

 

[plumber0808]

They don't make them like they used to.
WOW 141 years for a stop tap, the new ones leak after a few years.

p.s the pipe looks like lead, get on to them

 

[villa_tom]

141 years old?? Did croppie fit it?

 

[Dotty]

141 years old?? Did croppie fit it?

One day Thomas, one day................

 

[REDSAW]

tamz has 'alf dozen new ones left if you need any.lol

 

[stevetheplumber]

id get that polished as a trophy

 

[Centralheatking]

my thoughts exactly

141 years old?? Did croppie fit it?