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Mar 8, 2017
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Hi Guys,

We have recently bought 1960's house which needs some work doing to it.

The pipes seem to be lagged in a brown hairy insulation (see pic - sorry quality isn't that good).
Does this contain asbestos?

IMG_2899.jpg

Also,

The survey said that our cold water pipes would need better insulating but didn't mention asbestos but it did say our water & expansion tanks (in the loft) may contain asbestos so now the wife (and secretly me) are concerned. Asbestos is a scary word these days. :devilish:

I know they will probably be safe unless they break up, but I think the wife would be happier to have them replaced. Would a plumber be able to do this or would it need an asbestos removal company?
 
Hello and welcome. Your photo is good, but still hard to say for sure exactly what that insulation is, but it looks to me to be just brown hairfelt lagging, perhaps the type with thin clear plastic membrane in it to help hold it all together. If I am right, then that lagging is not from the 60s, but the 70s or much later. It still can be purchased, although better with foam pipe insulation of no less than 19mm thick, where space is possible.
Asbestos lagging generally is white, grey, or a bluish colour.
You need someone in that can verify what you have regarding your tanks, pipe insulation etc. Some plumbers will know enough to give proper advice, but obviously an asbestos removal company should be able to check everything well. Asbestos can be hidden where you least expect, - ceilings, plaster, roof soffits outside, roof tiles, toilet cisterns, plumbing fibre washers, floor tiles, as well as asbestos flues, rope and other boiler products.
It might also be a good idea to have your entire plumbing and heating system checked to see if it would need updated or totally replaced, as it could date back as far as the 60s, rather than stumble upon parts to replace and update.
 
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I would get the system checked out it may well need upgrading as best said asbestos was widely used in the 60s and 70s don't forget it was in artex then to
 
Hi
That's hair felt lagging.
Used to be made of horse hair. Don't go near Ruth a naked flame.
 
Hi
That's hair felt lagging.
Used to be made of horse hair. Don't go near Ruth a naked flame.
 
Thanks for the reply guys.

Is the felt lagging very efficient?

And with regards to getting someone out to inspect the tanks. What would the cost be? roughly.

:smilewinkgrin:
 
Thanks for the reply guys.

Is the felt lagging very efficient?

And with regards to getting someone out to inspect the tanks. What would the cost be? roughly.

:smilewinkgrin:
 

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