Fixing a Lead Pipe

[hoyboy]

I have a hairline crack in a lead pipe - anyone know how to fix it? Can I solder? I'd like to replace it but it would mean knocking down half a wall since it's in a really awkward position. I can't get over either end of it - since it comes out of and goes into the wall - and since the crack is on a t junction I don't think I can use any form of lead loc... help!?

 

[Dan Robinson]

Well people are always saying you should help break down barriers - in your case I think the wall is going bye bye.

 

[bobthebender]

You can solder it if you can get the water out.
scrape the area with a shavehook or something sharp until back to shiney lead and solder it with some stick solder if you can get it.
Not to hot or you will melt the lead

 

[keego]

Quickest way for now is to tap the lead over with a ball pein hammer where it's split.
Gently push the lead from around the split & then tap it in & over, it will leak again but I've used this method as a temporary repair that's lasted over a year.

 

[hoyboy]

Thanks all... giving alraldite a go for now...

 

[Agile]

You can solder it if you can get the water out.
scrape the area with a shavehook or something sharp until back to shiney lead and solder it with some stick solder if you can get it.
Not to hot or you will melt the lead

What he means ( I hope ) is that its physically possible to solder it.

Of course the Water Regulations do not allow soldering of lead supply pipes any more! Quite a serious offence!

The normal solution would be to replace the entire pipe function with a new copper pipe on the surface.

Tony

 

[pannierstan]

Hoyboy hang on....I will hunt out my turn pin and bend bolt for you and if you really want to resolder I will lend you my mole skin for a nice wipe joint.

Dont use a normal blow lamp. They are far to hot. you can also borrow my Meths mouth lamp aswell.

Am I generous or what

Stan

 

[Nige F]

Meths mouth lamp you old gasfitter, you primus paraffin one....meths for pre heating and drinking Bent bolt, scribing plate and dividers for T joint....oh and smudge and pipe holder

 

[pannierstan]

Meths mouth lamp you old gasfitter, you primus paraffin one....meths for pre heating and drinking Bent bolt, scribing plate and dividers for T joint....oh and smudge and pipe holder

Nige you have a better memory than me old boy

Stan

 

[bobthebender]

You forgot the blacking to keep it all neat

 

[Nige F]

Blacking=smudge or lampblack........then cover with brown paper tied with string ....yep, taken some out like that, Works of art

 

[weareleeds]

Has everybody forgotten tallow & a gimlet?

 

[Nige F]

No, I just didn`t mention it like french chalk and a wire brush and a M8 and a bowler hat, Pot+ladle, squirrel tail ,caulking irons un tarred gaskin, soldering irons, splash stick........etc bobbins, bending dresser.....that`s all Plumbers can do now.....reminisce...The Corgi ****es on our legs daily