What does the term 'dead leg' mean re plumbing

[easyt]

Shower mixer fitting instructions states 'Pipework dead-legs should be kept to a minimum'. What does this mean ??

Easy T

 

[prs1]

a dead leg is a redundant length of pipework(usually when modifications are made) which is left in place and capped,or it could just be something which is no longer used ie acting deadleg.

 

[easyt]

Thanks PRS1. I suppose that makes sense. Can't think why it was specifically on the mixer instructions.

Easy T

 

[Bernie2]

Hmm!

A "dead leg" by definition has no circulation, so its a handy place for Legionella to breed.

And as shower heads are also a prime site for Legionella.

It is advised not to have any or at least keep them to a minimum.

 

[easyt]

Thanks Bernie. Now it makes much more sense.

Easy T

 

[NickH]

They can also cause problems if they are full of air. The air is "compressable" so you can get a bounce back effect within the pipework which can play havoc with things like flow switches.

 

[easyt]

Thanks Nick.

Easy T

 

[fuzzy]

in sport it means you have been hit in the leg and it feels dead, in plumb its a length of pipe that goes nowhere

 

[oldplumber]

Ive had a dead leg all day, wont work, knee seems rusted up, hurts like hell, off to the docs tomorrow along with all the pensioners who missed their monday surgery

 

[philtheflush]

it also means a long lengh of instalation pipe where hot water travels which can lose heat if pipe is to long thankyou

 

[prs1]

is this a wind up-
Thats were a secondry return or trace heating comes into play or even better still design it out if system. Just be poor desugn imho

 

[Blackcatgas]

it also means a long lengh of instalation pipe where hot water travels which can lose heat if pipe is to long thankyou

I forgot about that one, well said Phil.

 

[oldplumber]

is this a wind up-
Thats were a secondry return or trace heating comes into play or even better still design it out if system. Just be poor desugn imho

you on the booze prs? i had a couple but my leg hurts.

 

[prs1]

Yes can u tell Old plumber get some down ye it will do wunders for that deadleg of urs had a few tins of the old wifebeater going for another now u mention it