Old Garden Tap

[Herbgardener]

Good evening,
Whilst digging in the garden today I found an old tap attached to some pipe, however no water comes out when I turn the tap.
Shall I dig the garden to follow the pipe? Make a small hole in the pipe to see if there is any water present or try and unscrew the tap?
I appreciate any help.

[bookbinder]

Dig to follow the pipe. If you make a hole in the pipe, you might well get some water out of it, but how will you then stop the water flowing?

[Herbgardener]

I was just going to do a pinprick then seal with tape or silicone if water came out.
I have followed the pipe for a foot or two and it is leading away from the house.

[The Builder]

Always a good idea to try and trace something like this, Herbie.
You'll probably find a cut end eventually.

But, you never know. I've found unknown pipework a few times. Sometimes it's an old branch off from somewhere, and still alive.
The tap seat may be stuck down.

Is it a black alkathene pipe? Or copper?

[Herbgardener]

Thank you the builder,
Black rubber type pipe

[The Builder]

Yes, old alkathene, as I thought.

Lots of it about from times long past. If you don't get anywhere tracing, then you really can't be expected to do anything about it.
How old is the house?

[Herbgardener]

125 years, I was hoping to use the tap instead of having another one installed.
Thank you for your time.

[The Builder]

That would have been lead pipe back then Herb. Alkathene came in around 1930.
Probably supplying an old outside tap or WC. Your house would have been re-plumbed since then. I expect the old alkathene was discarded.

I'd be tempted to unscrew the fitting to the tap to check for water.......... or................ otherwise bury it and forget it if you really can't trace it.

[Herbgardener]

Yes the house has had multiple renovations so goodness knows when this tap was put in or what it was used for.
Thank you I will try and remove the tap and see if there is any water.
Thank you for your help

[webbo3]

It may have be someone growing leeks.

[Herbgardener]

Update: there was no water in the pipeline.
Thank you for your help.

[ladybirder]

Paid £110 for my outside tap Herb, so not too bad especially in the SouthEast.