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pjcordova · Sep 29, 2008, 04:12 PM

Greetings all,

I have lead pipe entering my house as the main incoming water channel. It has a small leak in the pipe. Is it somehow possible to splice into with some kind of coupling or another method? I need to connect from the incoming lead pipe to the main shut off valve (which is right next to the meter)inside the house.

I would like to replace all the lead pipe but can't afford it at this time. Thanks for your help.

speedball1 · Sep 29, 2008, 04:18 PM

There aren't too many of us left who can still wipe a lead joint so I would opt for Pipe Repair Tape. Check it out at : Pipe and Hose Leak Repair Tape
Good luck, Tom

massplumber2008 · Sep 29, 2008, 04:27 PM

Hi Guys...

There is another option... called a lead lok fitting (see picture). Can use this to join lead pipe to copper pipe with confidence.

I have used them 3 times without issues.

Click on this link for more info.:

DIY - Lead Lok Compression Fitting ½"×7lb 15mm

If your local plumbing supply house doesn't have these they will have something similar.

Good luck...

MARK

pjcordova · Sep 29, 2008, 06:07 PM

Mark,

Can I ask you where from did you ordered those lead lock compressors?

massplumber2008 · Sep 30, 2008, 04:14 AM

At my local plumbing supply house.

Check with your local plumbing supply house.

I'm quite sure that your local supplier will have something exactly like the above... may not be a lead-lok fitting, but they will definitely have something available. Talk to the counter guys.

Once you confirm that they have a fitting in stock you will probably need to bring in a piece of the lead pipe to be sure of best fit... or you will need to purchase a couple different sizes and return ones that you don't use.

Good luck.

pjcordova · Sep 30, 2008, 11:44 AM

Mark,

I have not been able to find a lead lok compression fitting. If I use something like it, what kind of metal should I use. Can you answer this please. Is the one you have used made of brass? Do you know if it makes a difference of what metal I use to connect with the lead side of the connection. Is there some kind of sealant I would use on the lead to make the seal tight. Because I'm not sure if the lead pipe has an even circumference. Please make all the suggestions you feel necessary for this connection. Is there any way that we could communicate verbally. Please feel free to email me directly at [email protected] and then I will call you if that is okay with you.

massplumber2008 · Sep 30, 2008, 02:43 PM

Hi Pjcordova...

First... this is not a compression fit to the lead. It is a RIBBED fit and it should be available at your local plumbing supply house.

Did you talk to local supplier?

The lead-lok fitting or any fitting like this is a BRASS fitting connection that requires no sealents whatsoever... just the ribbed connection and a lock ring if I remember correctly.

Although the pipe may be oblong you will need to shape it so this fitting can slide over the lead. The few times I have done it I also ran into oblong issue but was able to shape the pipe as needed using my pliers and some stubbornness.

Talk to your supplier first... if that fails then we can chat via phone.

Let me know what happens...

PS... they also make a great plumber's epoxy putty. Here, you sand paper the leaky area and then apply the mixed putty to the lead pipe. Use water to feather the edges tight to the lead. This with the tape mentioned by Speedball1+ would keep you going for a long time I bet. Just another option!

MARK

pjcordova · Oct 1, 2008, 05:41 PM

Hi Mark,

I found a brass coupling that has a rubber washer on the inside of the cylinder. As you tighten the two pieces of the coupling together I guess it compresses the rubber washer around the lead pipe to make the seal. Do you know if there is some kind of sealant that I could put near the rubber washer (around the lead pipe) to make a tighter seal. I would really like to make sure that this part of the connection is sealed as tight as possible. Optimally something that doesn't eat away at the rubber washer. Thank you so much for all of your assistance. I has been so helpful. Good luck to you.

Paul

massplumber2008 · Oct 1, 2008, 05:51 PM

Hi Paul

There is no sealents or pipe dope required for any compression fitting that I know of. They also frown on pipe dope for flare fittings and gas.

I am pretty darn sure that if this is a rubber compression fit then you want the coefficient of friction to be low so that the grab will be high... in other words, if you can make the fittings squeeze over pipe and you can connect them you should be all set!!

Otherwise... chat with the people that supplied the fitting and see what they have to say.

Let us know result please!

susuanna · Oct 6, 2009, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by pjcordova

Mark,

Can I ask you where from did you ordered those lead lock compressors?

Dear Sir, we can provide those compression fittings.

If you need, please email me. [email protected]

wph3djs · Jan 19, 2010, 09:15 AM

I've been looking for a Lead-Loc fitting for some time now and have been unsuccessful. I did see the link and would like to order this product, but it seems as if this fitting is not sold in the US, I did try to order this Item but never received it so I'm a bit reluctant to reorder. Any suggestions?

massplumber2008 · Jan 20, 2010, 07:08 AM

Hi Wph...

It does appear that it has gotten harder to find the lead lok fittings over here... Hmmm..

I would suggest that you go to a PLUMBING SUPPLY STORE and talk to them about your plans. There are quite a few options available for lead to copper today. Talk to the COUNTER GUYS.. not the salespeople... OK?

Let me know what you find.

MARK