Author Topic: Isolating an old tap help (Read 1695 times)

bloomer · « **on:** September 12, 2017, 12:03:36 pm »

Weird question we have a tap on an old lead pipe in our garden we can't find where it comes from, it still runs when we turn the house water off, it's probably an independent supply from when there were out buildings still here, I've looked on the road for stopcock and can't find one for our property at all... The tap has a leak in the lead pipe and needs capping or removing somehow... Any suggestions.?

Part time dabbler · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2017, 12:06:25 pm »

You may be opening a can of worms but have you talked to your neighbours

stufe35 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2017, 12:36:15 pm »

The tap has a leak in the lead pipe and needs capping or removing somehow... Any suggestions.?

So is it the tap that's leaking or the pipe ?

Either way a plumber will be able to fix it whilst live. Its not essential to stop the water whilst repairing ..just messy..doesn't matter so much leaking water everywhere if its outside.

bloomer · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2017, 01:16:29 pm »

It's the pipe that leaks

We have Scottish water coming to identify the source for the pipe and help us work out best solution so hopefully problem solved...

F.CUTHBERT · « **Reply #4 on:** September 12, 2017, 04:19:12 pm »

Quickest way is to cut the tap off fold the pipe over and hammer it flat.
For a few pounds you can buy a philimac type blank end that screws onto the pipe. That should stop the leak. Tracing it might be more fun though. With a lead pipe you can put an electrical pulse down the pipe that can be followed above ground if you have the correct equipment.
Happy hunting.

YorkshireLass · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2017, 08:19:29 am »

Would some sort of "drain snake" be any use? Not sure on price vs benefit.
Any elderly neighbours who might remember Old Jim digging in water pipes in 1964?