How do i join this to an mdpe pipe?

[markmcvit]

Hi,

I'm sure this would be simple for someone but I'm an amateur plumber and am lost!

I have discovered a leak under my floorboards, in the shared mains water pipe. It is part lead, and part metal. It is leaking from the lead section.

I want to cut the metal pipe and join it to mdpe, but am not sure how i would go about doing this. Any one able to help?

Thanks,

M

 

[Deleted member 267285]

A lead to copper fitting, such as a leadloc, plasson or philmac Utc, you just need the lead size, usually 5,6 or 7 pounds. Which part is going to be mdpe?

 

[markmcvit]

Thanks for the fast reply,

I am going to cut the lead, so it is just the metal pipe straight into the mdpe.

Would this be ok?


https://www.toolstation.com/mdpe-re...uRXrJNkEuLj7qXqAwcdIFUaCwts_rKhxoCAL0QAvD_BwE

 

[dilalio]

Shared mains! You are taking a big risk on that one... Won't be popular with the neighbours on same feed if it all goes AOT.

No such thing as an amateur plumber dude,,, you're either a plumber or training to be one, else you're a diy-er and as such, shouldn't be messing with a shared main.

 

[markmcvit]

@Chris_W I was planning on cutting the lead away and connecting the pipe on the right to an mdpe one. I will have a look at those you mentioned. Thanks.

Or taking into consideration @dilalio comments just wondering how I might go about sealing the leaking lead pipe? Its only a very small leak so could i wrap it in something?

 

[dilalio]

Or taking into consideration @dilalio comments just wondering how I might go about sealing the leaking lead pipe? Its only a very small leak so could i wrap it in something?

You could try some self-amalgamating tape (pipe leak repair tape) but a cut out and replace is needed for long term.

 

[Ian H]

How many share it?

 

[markmcvit]

@dilalio thanks for the tip, I've just ordered some bits from Toolstation and will see if that fix holds.

@Ian H it's shared by both my neighbours either side of me. Looks like it was once shared by mine as well, but my property was given its own feed at some point in the past. Does that matter?

 

[cdbe]

I would contact Offwat in the first instance - shared supply pipes are the responsibility of all users (which you aren't), but property owners are responsible for pipes on their property so there seems to be a bit of a grey area for you that needs clarification.

If you just want to fix it, you need to establish whether you can isolate the supply, ie find the street stoptap and check your neighbours water can be turned on and off completely.

You need to measure the diameter of all the pipes to establish the correct sized fittings - I'm slightly confused about the mdpe , I can only see lead sweated onto copper? If you mean you'll replace a section of lead/copper with mdpe then yes, that's the way to do it - access permitting you should try and replace as much of the old pipes as you can - it's the same 2 connectors and only pennies for the extra mdpe but will reduce the risk of future leaks. Also insulate the pipe where possible as there is a risk of freeze related leaks.
I am an amatuer "non plumber" but have successfully repaired/replaced half a dozen lead water supply pipes but I would say for the first one you need to be well prepared and confident you can do it - if not then get a plumber in - looks a simple repair and the cost should be split 2/3 ways.

 

[dilalio]

only pennies for the extra mdpe

Not when you have to buy a whole coil of it and only want 3 foot!

 

[markmcvit]

@cdbe Thanks a lot for your reply. Thats exactly what I plan on doing now. I have started a complaint with united utilitues and will take it to Offwat.

Thats right, I think the best fix will be to replace the lead pipe with mdpe.

 

[Ian H]

@dilalio thanks for the tip, I've just ordered some bits from Toolstation and will see if that fix holds.

@Ian H it's shared by both my neighbours either side of me. Looks like it was once shared by mine as well, but my property was given its own feed at some point in the past. Does that matter?

Yes, it’s not your responsibility to repair it, it’s upto your neighbours.