Lead waste pipes

[ferdon]

Hi all,

I have am in the process of installing new bathroom for a friend and have come across an issue that is new to me and wondered if anyone could give me a bit of guidance please.

The issue:
The bath and sink being replaced are from the dark ages (cast iron bath which weighed an absolute ton even with 3 of us!) and the waste traps on both are made from shaped lead. Both waste pipes go down directly into a concrete floor and without digging the floor out I do not know where they join the main waste outlet.

The new suite is intended to have standard plastic traps and I am unsure how to join the plastic waste and trap to the lead outlets and seal it so that there is no risk of leakage in the future.

Has anyone come across this in the past or does any of the forum readers have any suggestions. All will be greatly received.

Thanks in advance for your advice and help.

[Lee_H20]

hello m8. a know for pressurised lead pipes you canpurchase something called lead lock so am sure they should have something on the same lines but for wastes.

[ferdon]

Lee and AJS,

Thanks for your advice.

I will ask the local plumbers merchant for these items.

Your help is very much appreciated. Cheers

[NickH]

Originally Posted by ferdon

Hi all,

(cast iron bath which weighed an absolute ton even with 3 of us!)

Did you carry the bath out whole ? I always smash them with a club hammer, i think most guys do it that way.

[justlead1]

Hi Ferdon
I understand your problem, however it pays to assess the risk before embarking on such a project. You need to identify where the wastes terminate prior starting, this may allow the using of new materials through out the waste system. If copping up the floors what it takes do it. Be aware that the old lead pipe may well fracture at the point it enters the cement/concrete floor if too much movement is employed. I applaud your commitment to a friend but a cock up that don't show up for say twelve months may well affect the relationship. The expression "Fur coat no knickers" acts as good mentor when used in relation to plumbing work. Good Luck