Lead waste pipe connected to plastic

[Foodface]

Just been to a right old job, the customer wants me to plumb a washing machine in the cellar. There is a drain down there but it's about 3.5 feet in the air and made of lead which then runs into concrete. The customer has been informed of this new thing called gravity and the reluctance of water to counteract gravity to which he response was "well it's being done whether by you or someone else".

After explaining to him the need for the water to drain away at an angle, he then decided he would build the washing machine up on a plinth so that it would drain away at the necessary height and angle. I then explained that the waste pipe was made of lead and wouldn't fit modern day pipework or traps, to which I have been told to bodge it.

The job also involves fitting various other appliances so don't want to turn it down, which begs me to ask.

Can I fit plastic fittings to lead waste pipe?
And what would my fellow customers do in this predicament, cos there isn't much I can do when people won't listen to my opinion when they think they know better and as we all know work is not guaranteed in today's climate.

 

[Simon F]

what size is the lead pipe?
would you not be able to connect to the lead waste with a compression waste fitting?

 

[WaterTight]

As above but he sounds like a pain the rear to work for so since you've got an excuse to leave it, I would.

 

[Foodface]

The lead pipe will be imperial and awkward, I couldn't actually get a good look as it was covered in tape where someone else had bodged it. I'll figure something out on the job I reckon, just a pain the preverbal as don't seem to be getting the straight forward jobs at the minute.

Thanks for the replies as ever.

 

[stevetheplumber]

multifit coupling or wipe a bit of copper in the lead
remember a washing machine has to pump up to to a waste to stop it draining out might be a job for a hep trap onto the lead and a solid connection to the hose

 

[Mike Jackson]

Sanivite?

 

[Foodface]

After some thought, I'm going to fit a compression coupling then extend the pipework or fit a hep vo valve and connect straight to that. Not overly happy about the install but that's life.

 

[Koogatubac]

McALpine compression fitting, leave it dry and tighten, if it leaks slodge a load of silicon all over the lead and rubber washer. Be suprised what that will do!!

If that does work lead wipe joint with copper

 

[Mickyplumb]

McALpine compression fitting, leave it dry and tighten, if it leaks slodge a load of silicon all over the lead and rubber washer. Be suprised what that will do!!

If that does work lead wipe joint with copper

Yep, in this situation if you are trying to get away without 'doing it right', only use a Mcalpine. You'll have to get your utility knife out and carefully cut the inner sleeve out. Doubtful it will leak.

 

[Koogatubac]

I always go with McAlpine, i feel their the most reliable traps and cover for other sanitry fittings. Never had a problem with them 🙂 its a tricky situation joining onto the lead like. I would try to stress as much as pos to rip it all out and renew like you've already thought of.

But as you say, you can only do what the customer asks! Just done a estimate for a customer and the guy thinks he can do everything! Basically - a nightmare customer! But... It will be 1 week and a half worth of work. Thats where professionalism comes in, back of your mind you cant stand the person, however the amount your getting will compensate for going along with them and basically agree to everything (as long as it ant illegal or against your training 🙂)

GOOD LUCK MATEEE !! 🙂

 

[Mickyplumb]

I was in a Plumbase today funny enough and we were talking about the amount of faulty returns on any product across the board and apparently the whole of Plumbase haven't had to return a faulty Mcalpine product for over 5 years.

OTHER MANUFACTURERS TAKE NOTE......IT CAN BE DONE IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR QUALITY CONTROL!!

 

[AWheating]

I was in a Plumbase today funny enough and we were talking about the amount of faulty returns on any product across the board and apparently the whole of Plumbase haven't had to return a faulty Mcalpine product for over 5 years.

OTHER MANUFACTURERS TAKE NOTE......IT CAN BE DONE IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR QUALITY CONTROL!!

had to return plenty of mcalpine stuff in the past, not due to quality but due to the fact something was missing like a rubber washer.

 

[Mickyplumb]

had to return plenty of mcalpine stuff in the past, not due to quality but due to the fact something was missing like a rubber washer.

You following me about AW ?:53:

 

[dave1]

What about a timesaver or French whichever you guys call it black rubber with two jubilee clips??

 

[dave1]

*fernco bloody phone

 

[Guest123]

A McAlpine Multifit compression fitting will fit the lead and they are available in 2" as well if the lead is not 11/2".

It's best if possible to remove the lead and renew it in plastic though.

 

[AWheating]

You following me about AW ?:53:

your in my house?

 

[Mickyplumb]

your in my house?

Meaning ?

 

[Foodface]

As it turned out the customer didn't like me telling him that the job was problematic, so he's gone else where. Probably got some yes man in to fit the thing and will leak water everywhere when he's paid him for the job.

 

[Koogatubac]

Dont worry about it foodface, im in kind of the same boat with customers atm... Bad times!!