lead main to copper

[bobd]

Does anyone know the diameter of a lead main going into the kitchen 15m

copper pipe ? I need to replace the stopcock and wondered what the lea side fitting size is

-- bobd

[BigWallop]

Have a web search for lead pipework and you should get hits to help on this. Old lead pipes are measure in pounds (lb), so they have figures like 7lb lead, 9lb lead and such like, and old lead mains came in sort of three standard sizes. The first being 7lb lead, the second 9lb lead and the third was 12lb lead, depending on what water supply was in your area.

There are fittings called "Lead Lock" which form a compression joint on the lead and the copper/plastic pipes. These are expensive and you really to know what size lead pipe you have before buying one.

Try the web search first for more info'

[Paul Barker]

That depends, you most likely have 7lb 1/2" lead for that job but have come across 6 lb 1/2". The 1/2" is the internal diameter th weight tells you the thickness of lead it's made of.

If you go to a plumbers merchant and ask for a 7lb conex leadlock on i are given the circumferance, go home and check your pipe with a piece o string.

If you end up with a lead lock that is too tight to get on file th lead, if you end up with a lead lock that is too slack, open out th pipe.

The lead lock gives you conversion to 15mm compression fitting.

An easier option is to go to Plumb Centre who sell a plasti compression fitting that is range rated. Once again go and see wha they've got and measure the diameter of your pipe, to see which yo need. This is the more expensive route. Word of warning th instructions say hand tighten then 1 turn or something like that That's ********, tighten it with grips very hard or it will leak

-- Paul Barker

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I found it impossible to find a stopcock with the correct thread to replace mine - although 'lead' stopcocks were still available. You might be more lucky.

However, if you practice a bit, it's possible to do a 'soldered' joint to copper pipe either side and use a modern stopcock - or use lead to copper compression fittings. But I've not tried those.