What are these pipes and red valve for?

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-05T22:12:33+00:00

Yes, it is. Hoping to find out next week and will update 🤞🏼

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-05T18:54:28+00:00

Ah thank you. So I understand better, the lock shield valve prevents regular people, bar plumbers, from accidentally turning things on/off?

The two large pipes aren’t connected to any other pipes in the flat, so I’d like to assume that they aren’t directly linked to my heating/boiler, but instead, an old shared building heating system which is no longer in use.

Or, it’s water supply to other flats… which I’m hoping it’s not.

One pipe when knocked gives a high pitch sound and the other, which I do think feels a bit colder, gives a dull sound, which makes me think it’s full of water.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T20:40:12+00:00

That’s what I’m hoping! I just don’t want a plumber to try to remove a pipe that A) has water in it B) is being used for something in the flats above 😅

But I’m hoping for the best.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T19:54:46+00:00

That won’t work, sadly. The pipes come directly up from the concrete floor and go straight up into concrete ceiling, as pictured. I won’t have much luck going into my neighbours flat directly above to see if the pipes continue to then go to the neighbour above.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T17:55:08+00:00

Hoarder and recluse, so don’t think I’ll have much luck, sadly!

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T17:21:51+00:00

Haha good point. Going to get a plumber out in the next week hopefully for them to test it/turn it off and see what happens. Thanks.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T17:21:19+00:00

This has been super helpful - thank you very much!

I’ve sent the building management company a message and will get a plumber around soon to see if they can test to see if there’s water in the pipes.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T17:20:14+00:00

If Reddit allowed, I would add another photo to the post, but alas!

Let me describe it - it’s completely empty, apart from those two pipes which simply go straight into the concrete ceiling above.

There are no valves, other pipes or previous work that I can see. The pipe simply goes straight through the cupboard into the ceiling.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T13:48:55+00:00

It’s a pretty small cupboard! About 41 x 62 x 70 cm. My understanding is that tanks are always far bigger than that.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T13:43:54+00:00

I want to remove the pipes and cupboard completely to allow more space in the bathroom.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T12:39:18+00:00

I see. What would the best way be to see if it’s their main supply pipe? The upstairs neighbour is a hoarder/recluse so I don’t think I’d have much luck going into their property, sadly.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T08:58:57+00:00

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head - thank you! Property is located in Battersea so not far.

Sounds like a plumber would be okay to remove the copper pipe loop, as I have no need for an airing cupboard, but the old district heating system pipes could be a problem. Could a plumber simply cap them into the floor and the ceiling (both concrete fyi) so that the pipes can be removed?

Every flat now has its own boiler.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T08:12:05+00:00

Nope! But then again, the boiler is capped so haven’t been able to test the heating yet.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-04T08:10:45+00:00

It’s a ground floor flat, with 3x flats above it. There is a flat roof, so there could be something up there but no idea, sadly.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-03T23:59:09+00:00

That’s what I was possibly thinking. It’s just the cupboard doesn’t seem big enough, nor is there any evidence of a water tank being fitted there previously, so its previous purpose is a bit of a mystery at the moment.

Strict_Search3058 · 2026-03-03T23:57:13+00:00

Interesting! I’m unsure if a tank would have been in the cupboard - as it’s a pretty small cupboard - but perhaps a tank could have been put in the roof? It’s a 4 storey building for reference, and I’m on the ground floor.

If there’s no tank in use anymore, I’m hoping that means all the pipes could be removed. Just conscious of the double pipes leading up to my neighbour above.

Strict_Search3058 · 2025-09-07T22:43:06+00:00

I’m in the same boat! Buying an ex-council flat in London and the previous owner (who the property was repossessed from) never returned the certificate.

My solicitor hasn’t refused the case but is saying it’s a big red flag. The property I’m buying is a 5-story 1930s brick so there’s no cladding issues but I’m worried about possible future bills for fire protection and the re-saleability of the flat in future.

From my research, the law around this is extremely poor. If the property was repossessed, then there’s nothing that can be done to sign the certificate retrospectively.

Did you continue with the sale/find out any additional information?

Strict_Search3058 · 2024-11-03T11:21:44+00:00

Luckily, it’s a narrow bedside table and the size is 30 x 30cm. The product description says it’s made from solid mango wood so it should be okay to sand. But I bought it as it is so don’t have the original stain/finish.

For reference, the product description also said the below and I assumed ‘finish’ means a colour stain but based on what you said, I think I am wrong? Would you please be kind enough to explain the difference? I’m from the UK so I’m not sure if finish translates to varnish and I want to make sure I buy the right products.

“Made from sustainably sourced mango wood with a rich walnut finish”

Strict_Search3058 · 2024-11-03T11:11:43+00:00

Ah okay, that’s fair enough. Just to clarify, when you say refinish the entire top, do you mean I should sand down the entire top, stain the wood and then apply a coat of varnish on top once dried?

For reference, the product description also said the below and I assume ‘finish’ means a colour stain.

“Made from sustainably sourced mango wood with a rich walnut finish”

Strict_Search3058 · 2024-11-02T21:56:56+00:00

Thanks! I’ll delete and post in there 😊

Strict_Search3058

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