unknown pipe in old fire-place.

[Jeff Geoff]

All,

Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am in a bit of a predicament. I have recently had a stove fitted in a chimney that had a disconnected and capped gas fire. The old gas line went straight out the back wall and was visibly capped a short distance from the gas meter. A simple pull out job. Upon removing the fireplace, the fitters called me to say they discovered another pipe, also capped, just inside the and to the left of the firewell, it ran down into the fire bed. This pipe had no yellow lining to show that it was a gas pipe. They did however shut the gas off and drill a pilot hole to test if the pipe was active. There was no indication that the pipe was in use. No hissing, no smell, no water. When digging down into the old fireplace the pipe pulled easily out of the ground, showing signs of corrosion. They proceeded to fit the hearth and now the wood burner has been installed. I am however worried about what the pipe may have been. I have had a gas safe engineer out to test our current gas line. There is no gas smell, no signs of a leak, no pressure drop - a perfectly sealed system. Any advise welcome to put my mind at ease. Photos attached.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Old gas prob 10mm coated copper ? Eg been capped off outside

 

[Jeff Geoff]

Old gas prob 10mm coated copper ? Eg been capped off outside

No indication that it even goes outside. No sign of any other branches off mains or meter. Should I be worried?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

No indication that it even goes outside. No sign of any other branches off mains or meter. Should I be worried?

About two foot to the left of the black pipe is poking out a yellow copper 10mm pipe

Chances are the old one was leaking and a new one was installed through that hole and the old one was left in

 

[Jeff Geoff]

About two foot to the left of the black pipe is poking out a yellow copper 10mm pipe

Chances are the old one was leaking and a new one was installed through that hole and the old one was left in

Apologies, correct. The yellow was the old gas fire. It was disconnected and capped around 7years ago. What you see externally is where they simply cut the pipe when installing the new wood burner. My worry is the unknown pipe internally, front left of fireplace.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Apologies, correct. The yellow was the old gas fire. It was disconnected and capped around 7years ago. What you see externally is where they simply cut the pipe when installing the new wood burner. My worry is the unknown pipe internally, front left of fireplace.

Prob a very old gas feed that was removed years ago when the new fire was installed

 

[Jeff Geoff]

Prob a very old gas feed that was removed years ago when the new fire was installed

Thanks for the replies. Is it something to worry about considering the capped end pulled straight out of the ground and is now corroded and uncapped under the brand new hearth?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Nope I wouldn’t worrie about it

 

[Jeff Geoff]

Nope I wouldn’t worrie about it

Thanks Shaun. That's reassuring.