Lead pipe to plastic

[Stingers]

Hi, I've been trying to get a plumber to replace about 5 meters of lead pipe that has been leaking between my kitchen and bathroom.

I've had 5 plumbers round who have all said they would give me a quote later, but it seems nobody wants to do it. The only one quote I did get was for £700.

I've dug the lead pipe out of the wall and skirting, and it is ready to cut and replace, I'm going to use plastic due to the bends in skirting and ease of installation. Do I just need a compression fitting? Shall I just cut the pipe and measure it, what plastic pipe is suitable for mains cold and hot water from a combi.

Regards

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You would need a transition fitting google philmac transition or you can use a lead loc measure the od of the lead to get your size

 

[steadyon]

1. You need a "Lead Loc" fitting, which has a lead connector one end and a normal compression fitting the other.
2. I can't tell from the photograph what the pipe size is, but you will need an appropriate lead loc. They come in various sizes and need to match both ends.
3. Lead could be 1/2" x 6lb, 1/2" x 7lb or 3/4" x 11lb. The weight refers to the weight of a foot of the pipe, so one foot of 1/2" 6lb would weight 6lb.
4. Cut a 6 inch length out of the pipe and weight it. Double the weight. (Water off first of course). Measure the diameter. This gives you the type of lead. (Or take to plumbers merchants who should know what type / size).
5. If its 1/2" lead, suggest you use 15mm plastic pipe. If 3/4", use 22mm. Get four appropriately sized Lead Locs.
6. Cut the lead (if not already done) at each end and clean up, particularly removing any outside seam, without damaging the lead. (Stanley knife or lead knife). Chamfer the end a little.
7. Fit Lead Locs to lead. Follow manufacturer's instructions if supplied.
8. Cut the plastic pipe to length, (plastic pipe cutters, not hacksaw) with square ends. Fit pipe inserts. If using JG Speedfit, use the inserts without O rings.
9. Fit plastic to compression fittings, being careful to secure Lead Locs against rotation on the lead.
10. Pressure test if possible (probably not). Test with normal water pressure.
11. If any slight weeps, tighten as necessary.

Keys to success are getting the right Lead Locs, cleaning the lead without damage and using the correct plastic pip inserts. You will need two spanners (adjustables?) or a spanner and a set of good grips, plastic pipe cutters, Stanley knife or similar.

If you are only going to do the bits shown in the photograph, be aware there is a risk that you will have to manoeuvre the lead to get the new pipe in and it may fracture in other places.

 

[Stingers]

Thank you for your response, I'm a maintenance engineer so got all the tools, was just unsure of the lead weight and pipe sizes.

Just clean the lead with some emery cloth beforehand?

I'm replacing all the lead after where it comes out of the floor to the copper in the bathroom (I'm not replacing to the stopcock because the whole floor would have to come up)

I'll start this over the weekend. Thank you for the advice.

I actually found the leak last night, coming out of an end which has been siliconed or something.

 

[Last Plumber]

Lead could be 1/2" x 6lb, 1/2" x 7lb or 3/4" x 11lb. The weight refers to the weight of a foot of the pipe, so one foot of 1/2" 6lb would weight 6lb.

Pipe is weight in lb's per Yard.
Lead sheet is in lb's per square foot.

 

[Stingers]

In that case, do I cut 6 inches of lead pipe, weigh it and times it by 3 to get the required fitting weight?

 

[steadyon]

1. Last plumber is quite right, its lb's per yard. My apologies for the error.
2. Their are six lots of 6 inches to the yard, so multiply by 6.
3. There is a very good thread on identifying lead sizes on Lead Pipe Sizes

 

[Stingers]

1. Last plumber is quite right, its lb's per yard. My apologies for the error.
2. Their are six lots of 6 inches to the yard, so multiply by 6.
3. There is a very good thread on identifying lead sizes on Lead Pipe Sizes

Times by six, yeah my mistake. I'll update you when the house is flooded