Extending a lead water pipe.....

[david1805]

Hi all,

What is the best way of extending a lead water pipe ?

The first plumber I spoke to mentioned a 'leadlock' fitting, the second said he would push a copper pipe inside the lead and lead solder the joint.

Personally I would prefer the extension piece to be blue plastic but don't know how best to join it.

Any ideas?

Many thanks as ever.

 

[Dan Robinson]

I do not think you are allowed to sweat copper into lead now.

Leadlocks are the easiest and probably the best form of connection apart from, of course, takking it out - which is what you are "supposed" to do .

 

[dan the man]

as above in my book.

 

[ChrisR]

Leadloc's are funny things the first time you try one. You can also get big plastic compression fittings which go over the lead and straight onto blue plastic. Talbot make them, amongst others, and can be had from PlumbCenters.

http://www.tycowaterworks.com/Resources/pdfs/T_Grippa_www.pdf

 

[david1805]

Thanks for the replies.

ChrisR - I like the idea of the Talbot Grippa - are they easier to use than Leadlok? I've seen plenty of threads saying Leadlok can be a bit tricky.

 

[ChrisR]

Yes. Er, that's why I said wot I did...

 

[bobthebender]

Leadlock are pretty easy for the more experienced plumber
Here is 2 from my stock one is for 15mm & one 22mm.
The lead side has a gripper and an o ring and comes with full instructions

 

[bobthebender]

You might be able to read this ?

 

[ChrisR]

Lead-Loc and Lead-Line are different.
CHance of failure on first timer use: (imho!)
Lead-Loc 30%
Lead-Line 90%
Grippa 5% (if you play with it you can lose the bits...)

 

[david1805]

Thanks for all the info fella's,

I have to say the Grippa looks favourite at the mo.......... though no doubt vastly more expensive than than the Leadlok or leadline.