Using old pipe again after more than 20 years

Cian59

In the garage of the house, is an old plastic pipe that runs from there underground out to the nearby shore. Originally used for a washing machine but hasn't been used in more than 20 years.

Would like to start using this again. Is there any steps I should take? Ran water down it tonight and used an old hangar to clear some leaves etc. However, worried that perhaps the pipe could be cracked and leaking water.

Any precautions I should take?

Hotblack Desiato

You could try plugging it at its lower end, fill up with water and see if the level drops overnight (leaks).

jack of all

Plastic pipe (most likely pvc) is unlikely to deteriorate under normal circumstances unless exposed to extreme hot temperatures, harsh solvents or UV light. The suggestion posted above is an excellent idea.

Sleepy

Wrap a bit of cellophane over the top of the pipe too so you don't confuse evaporation with a leak.

listermint

Sleepy wrote: »

Wrap a bit of cellophane over the top of the pipe too so you don't confuse evaporation with a leak.

want to be some hot house in ireland for that to evaporate :P

Sleepy

You'd be surprised at the drop off you get from evaporation just at room temperature. My fish tank would lose about 5l of water a week to evaporation!

lawred2

Sleepy wrote: »

You'd be surprised at the drop off you get from evaporation just at room temperature. My fish tank would lose about 5l of water a week to evaporation!

a heated one by any chance? i.e. a tropical tank?

Sleepy

It's heated alright, but not to anything more than a fairly normal room temperature (24.5 degrees Celsius).

listermint

Sleepy wrote: »

It's heated alright, but not to anything more than a fairly normal room temperature (24.5 degrees Celsius).

Room temp is 21

_Brian

If it’s for drinking water I’d probably flush it a few times with Milton before using.

listermint

_Brian wrote: »

If it’s for drinking water I’d probably flush it a few times with Milton before using.

Its a waste pipe, why would he drink water out of it ?

Cian59

Thanks for the suggestions.

Only a small bit of water loss after 48 hours. I'd say more likely due to small leaks at the plug rather than the pipe