Few questions about lead pipe

[Phil]

Just wondered what the most comman size of lead (hot & cold not waste) was back in the day eg/ is 7lb lead eqivalent to todays 15mm?

Are there any other sizes that look the same as 7lb from the outside?

Why is lead measured in weight?

What is more reliable. Philmac or Ledlock?

 

[ecowarm]

Lead pipe came in a range of sizes 1/2" , 3/4" 1" etc. and in differing weights 6bls,7lbs etc. this refers to to weight of a foot of pipe so 1 foot of 1/2" 6lbs lead would weigh 6lbs etc.

The weight of sheet lead is in codes i.e. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and refers to the weight of a square foot.

 

[Phil]

Interesting, and lead is measured from the internal bore right?

 

[WHPES]

Philmac. Easier to fit and cheaper than leadlock. Nobody I know uses Leadlock anymore now the Philmac system is out. Not even seen Leadloc listed in my merchants catalogue for ages.

No standard sizes - the weights were nominal and could diiffer. Much depended on the manufacturer. There was no requriement to standardise to take fittings as all lead joints were wiped.

 

[ecowarm]

Interesting, and lead is measured from the internal bore right?

Yes nominal bore the heavier the weight the bigger O/D

 

[stevetheplumber]

all lead was sold by weight back in the day

 

[WHPES]

still is

 

[Dannypipe]

Scrapped a load of metal today. The lead was the tastiest treat. Copper has fallen completely out of bed. I got 2500, two months back it was 3800.

 

[Gray0689]

Copper still 4600 a ton scrap over here Danny think your getting ripped off there