Water test kits
Discussion
While digging the foundations for an extension I have uncovered a lead pipe which I believe is the mains water to the house. I can't be sure it is the supply as there's a mess of popes around and very little known about what's underneath.
I'm thinking of replacing it because it would be relatively easy now and extremely difficult after I build over it. However it seems worth testing the water first as it might well not be an issue.
Anyone got any experience of these kits? Which ones would people recommend?
I'm thinking of replacing it because it would be relatively easy now and extremely difficult after I build over it. However it seems worth testing the water first as it might well not be an issue.
Anyone got any experience of these kits? Which ones would people recommend?
It would definitely be around the extension, though I didn't realise it had to be 750mm down. That's a lot (more) digging. Access is pretty poor and it's close to a nearby foundation so it would probably be a case of digging by hand.
Good point about town gas, although I'm pretty sure it's water as it's in the right place and as far as I know there was never town gas here.
Drilling a hole sounds potentially risky, isn't it? Both in the sense of disturbing stuff and risking more lead in the water and creating a natural leak risk which will soon be buried under the foundations. Although I suppose it would be a conclusive test.
Good point about town gas, although I'm pretty sure it's water as it's in the right place and as far as I know there was never town gas here.
Drilling a hole sounds potentially risky, isn't it? Both in the sense of disturbing stuff and risking more lead in the water and creating a natural leak risk which will soon be buried under the foundations. Although I suppose it would be a conclusive test.
Thanks for the replies, very helpful.
After further investigation I'm 90% sure the lead pipe in question is not our water main. However I have ordered a water test kit and also told the water company, not that they seemed very interested. The main here is not lead so it's my responsibility.
If the test doesn't show high levels then I will forget it, if it does I will put in a new main which won't be huge task.
After further investigation I'm 90% sure the lead pipe in question is not our water main. However I have ordered a water test kit and also told the water company, not that they seemed very interested. The main here is not lead so it's my responsibility.
If the test doesn't show high levels then I will forget it, if it does I will put in a new main which won't be huge task.
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