1970's Private Water Main

[DTL]

Hi,

 

We are currently in the process of purchasing a 1970s bungalow in Scotland.

It has a private water supply shared with other properties.

 

The water filtration system associated with the property is going to require upgrading to correct PH, remove peat colour and then sterilise water.

This will be a relatively large set up located within an insulated and heated plant room within the garden.

This is priced in.

 

There has been some last  minute questions over the presence of lead, which we are working through.

Part of this process was asking the Sellers to remove a section of insulation where the house main pipe crosses over a stream to confirm the material of the pipe under the insulation.

 

They have expressed some reservation stating that they are worried that removing the insulation might damage the pipe.

 

This has introduced a new fear, given we will have to excavate this pipe in the garden and tie-in the water filtration system into it.

 

Does anyone have any idea what a mid to late 1970's Scottish bungalow might have as a water main, and is it feasible when we go to try and tie-into it we discover that we have to relay the entire main?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[Nickfromwales]

Draw some samples and get them to a laboratory!

 

Also, the treatment room should be kept cold, not heated? 

[saveasteading]

3 hours ago, DTL said:

what a mid to late 1970's Scottish bungalow might have as a water main

I think we are into the times of black plastic. Whatever the material, there will be a standard connector for you to take a loop off.

 

You are going to have to gently dig an exploratory hole at some stage. I suggest now, and the ground may still be soft.

[Nickfromwales]

2 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

I think we are into the times of black plastic

Yup. A pita to get a fitting on to, circa 20mm o/s dia iirc. 

[Gone West]

3 hours ago, DTL said:

Does anyone have any idea what a mid to late 1970's Scottish bungalow might have as a water main

Our bungalow, in Cornwall though, was replumbed in the 70s using black alkathene pipe, which I am in the process of replacing.

[DTL]

1 hour ago, Nickfromwales said:

Draw some samples and get them to a laboratory!

 

Also, the treatment room should be kept cold, not heated? 

We have already had the samples taken and the water analysed.

The external plant rooms has to be heated above freezing.

[John Carroll]

2 hours ago, Nickfromwales said:

Yup. A pita to get a fitting on to, circa 20mm o/s dia iirc. 

 

My house, 1970 build (Cork) has I'M fairly sure, Hydrodare very heavy walled piping, I found a bit lying about a few years ago and it measured 21mm OD x 11MM ID, that 11mm ID seems a bit strange since we use imperial pipe sizing, its ID is certainly not 1/2", (12.7mm).

[saveasteading]

1 hour ago, DTL said:

plant rooms has to be heated above freezing.

Worth insulating then to some extent. Bubblewrap to the structure and pipe insulation.

[Nickfromwales]

2 hours ago, DTL said:

We have already had the samples taken and the water analysed.

The external plant rooms has to be heated above freezing.

Is it cool in summer?