We're in the process of buying a house with what we think is  lead mains water pipe. Unfortunately access to the pipe and stop cock is behind a cupboard where you can just fit your hand, so it's hard to see the pipe. I've managed to get my phone back there to take a few photos. I also tried a scratch test but can't get a picture of where I'm able to scratch it.

 

To me this looks like a lead pipe, but confusingly where it tapers towards the top it looks more like copper. Apologies for the poor photos, it's all i could manage without dismantling the kitchen cupboards. Would appreciate opinions! Thanks.

 

Yes looks like lead with a nice wiped soldered joint to a copper stub.

I concur 👍

Is it a probate sale? Lead poisoning.

Ask for £15k off the price, on top of the current 12% asking price.

 

Dow here the water board (currently without water for around 4 hours) will change a lead pipe for free.  Thought I do think it depends on how easy/far from their meter/stopcock.

 

This is all very helpful, glad to have my suspisions confirmed.

 

Yes, it's a probate needing a lot of work. This is another one to add to our list for our renegoiation, along with unsupported chimney stack and rotten floor joists. Thanks all.