Lead mains pipe

[wrecked_24_7]

Hi I have recentlymoved into a new property and the mains pipe coming into the house is lead, then has a stopcock and carries on into copper. IS this going to be a problem as I know you cannot add onto lead, but if this pipe is left undisturbed will it be a health hazard? Becasue I know the option of having it replaced would mean having the hwoe drive dug up to the meter and would be very costly. Please any help or advice

 

[oldplumber]

lead pipe will oxidise on the internal bore and any "fresh" lead will cease to breakdown into the water suply due to this layer. However, the internal bore of an old lead pipe will reduce in time due to a build up of corrosion and sediments laying down and this will reduce the water flowinto the property. This reduced flow is more of a problem than lead poisoning and will more likely cause you to replace the incoming main. You will have ingested more lead from your car exhaust over the last 20 years than your drinking water, so no worries there

 

[turnpin]

check to see if you are in a hard water or soft water area soft water is more acidic than hard water and will disolve small amounts of lead over a period of time. try the lather test with soap is it easy or hard to get a good lather . hard-hard water ....easy -soft water regards turnpin🙂

 

[Bernie2]

Go careful replacing lead water mains in old houses. Sometime they where used as the main electrical earthing system. Check your electrics.

Incidentally many water companies have a lead pipe replacement program check your to find out.