Lead or Copper Pipes

Question

Hi

I'm trying to establish whether or not I have lead pipes in a property which was built in Scotland around 1970.  The stop valve inside the property appears to have copper piping coming up from the outside therefore can I assume this will be the same type of piping all the way to the boundary where Scottish Power would maintain the rest of the network?

Thanks

Jordan · Accepted Answer

Only one way is too dig it up maybe ring your local water board and find out if they have done any work previously you may get some info.from them!

Robert · Answer

Best thing to do is get someone out to come and have a look. Its easy to speculate on what it could or could not be.

Hansraj · Answer

Hi Mate, I believe it is connected from a lead pipe underground if it’s a very old building it must be lead than converted to copper when it comes into your building. Thanks. I hope this can help you.

Jerome · Answer

It would be best not to assume and to just dig it up  and charge for the labour and put right it’s better to be safe then to be sorry.

Niaz · Answer

I Brad It's going to be either lead pipe up to the boundary or a galvanised pipe 99% if you know the route it takes ask you water board what they are running from the road to the boundary .lastly where your stop cock is located the pipe that comes out the ground to the stop cock have you checked that ? Hope this helps

Marian · Answer

Lead pipes from outside stop cock and inside joint lead to Cooper

Tatenda · Answer

Hi Brad, the only way to find out is to trace the pipe.

Tom · Answer

No ! You need to dig down to the pipe at the boundary of the property. The pipe underground should be blue plastic but may well be copper. 
If it is found to be lead, it should really be replaced , but it is not an emergency  
Sorry for bad news  regards, Tom for Brakefield LLP

Kazeem · Answer

It’s very likely that your property does not have lead pipes. By the 1970s, lead piping was no longer used for water supply in the UK, and copper or plastic became the standard.

Since you can see copper piping at the stop valve inside your property, it’s a good sign that the entire supply line is copper. However, to be completely sure:

Check the external pipe – If you can access the pipe where it enters the property, see if it’s also copper.
Scratch Test – Lead pipes are dull grey and soft. If you gently scratch the surface with a coin or screwdriver, lead will reveal a shiny silver color.
Check with Scottish Water – They may have records of your supply pipe material or offer free testing.
If everything appears to be copper, you can safely assume the same material continues underground to the boundary where Scottish Water maintains the rest.

Lead or Copper Pipes

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