15mm Main Feed

[mickeyspark]

Renovating a house that has been empty for 20 years, the main water supply had been fed with 15mm (or 3/4) black plastic. I have laid in 25mm MDPE to renew to stop valve. The valve is just on our property, but on inspection, the main feeding, is also 15mm copper! When digging to find the stop tap (as it had caved in and the protecting pipe had broken) the copper main at some point has a big kink in it. This could of been cause by gas being laid on in the past, as both are near each other.

Would or could Anglian Water repair this pipe, or will they leave it till it leaks? Can I change the stopcock myself or is that a job for Anglian Water? Someone said the copper pipe used is softer than normal and I may have to put a sleeve down the inside.

Any pointers would be most welcome,
Thanks Mickyspark

 

[dontknowitall]

The water undertaker is responsible for the pipe up to your stop tap. You're responsible for your stop tap and everything else.

Copper is best kept above ground, especially now where MDPE is much better. If the stop tap is supplied from the main by copper pipe then I'd call the water undertaker, say you're concerned and ask about having it changed. When someone is on site you could ask them about fitting the stop tap inside the house. I suspect they might do nothing or quote an enormous sum but on the other hand you never know.

It could be that you might also need a plumber. A plumber can do some of the work a water undertaker could do, but at a fraction of the cost.

 

[mickeyspark]

I'll give the water undertaker a call, see if they can change the 15mm copper main. Is there a health issue with copper underground? Like to have a bit more ammo, so they don't incurr huge costs. Thanks for your answer, appreciated.

 

[secret squirrel]

No health risk, think how many lead mains are still about. There only advice there is run the cold for a few minutes before using it first thing in the morning.