Lead stopcock replacement

[johnmcginty]

Hi Guys , I got called out for this lead stoptap dripping though I am unsure how to stop it or some how blank it off. The drip is coming from after the thread and it is a lead pipe so didnt want to mess around with it too much. Is there some way of blanking this stopcock off completely as I want to put in a copper one. Any help much appreciated. Thanks pic coming soon I hope cant seem to get it working just keeps going blank?

 

[sonray ltd]

cut the lead pipe fit a leadloc.

 

[dontknowitall]

IF it's coming up through the nut ....

1. Turn off tap.
2. Undo gland nut
3. Wrap poofta tape around shank a few times
4. Stuff tape down into tap
5. Tighten gland nut
6. Turn on tap

If fails, try again with more PTFE tape.

I wasn't too sure when I first did this, but practised on an outside tap first, just in case it all went wrong!

 

[plumbnuts]

Good advice from dontknowitall - Seal the gland nut.

 

[johnmcginty]

Cheers guys seems straight forward enough. If it all goes t**s up I was thinking of using either a leadloc as suggested or a "Talbot grippa" anyone used one??? apparently they are easier pushfit solution to combine lead and copper.

 

[s4363]

would be a good idea to use a leadlock but
[Plumbers Tape For Everything]
would work. cheap as well

 

[Bernie2]

Hi!

As has been said, try PTFE in packing gland as dontknowitall said. In the old days they used pure wool and tallow to pack them or a hemp grommet. Today PTFE works great but some times you need a lot of it.

Err If you replace the valve don't forget there is more than one 1/2" lead size. You can have 1/2" 7lb, 1/2" 6lb or even 3/8" 5lb.
It was its weight per foot. They do make lead locs to suite all the sizes.

Visually 7lb usually had a raised seam and looked heavy.

I don't know about 6lb.

Visually 5lb was fairly thin and you could just about sweat a 3/8" ball valve tail piece into it.

As a matter of interest some utility companies offer deals for replacing lead water mains and I did hear they do some work for free.

 

[Puddle]

Hope the customer does not mind you putting a big arrow and writting all over the wall ,I would be a bit upset

 

[david williams]

you used to be able to have lead main replaced for free if you have children under 11 living in house

 

[johnmcginty]

you used to be able to have lead main replaced for free if you have children under 11 living in house

Do they still do this anywhere now?