Using old pipe again after more than 20 years

Cian59 · 26-11-2019 12:37AM #1

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 · 26-11-2019 01:40AM

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

jack of all · 27-11-2019 08:56PM

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 · 28-11-2019 11:57AM

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

listermint · 28-11-2019 12:20PM

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 · 28-11-2019 03:43PM

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 · 28-11-2019 03:45PM

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 · 28-11-2019 03:57PM

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

listermint · 28-11-2019 04:34PM

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 · 28-11-2019 04:52PM

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

listermint · 29-11-2019 11:58AM

_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 · 29-11-2019 02:26PM

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

Using old pipe again after more than 20 years

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