What is a plumber’s turnpin?     

A plumber’s turnpin is a simple tool used for opening up the end of a lead pipe in preparation for making a wiped joint.

To make a wiped joint, you apply molten lead (solder) around the join of two items and wipe the solder whilst still molten to gain a smooth, strong and resilient  joint. For more information see What is a wiped joint?

For the purpose of this guide, a wiped joint means the joining together of two lead pipes.

Shaped like a cone, a turnpin has a broad, curved base which gradually tapers to a point.

Driving the turnpin into the end of the pipe with the aid of a mallet or hammer uniformly expands the lead pipe opening.

Although this method was very popular, it has all but died out. The use of lead pipe to supply potable (drinking and cooking) water was banned in 1970, and the use of lead solder in 1999.

However, repairs to existing lead pipe work installed prior to 1970 is still permissible provided no new lead pipe is introduced.

The use of a plumber’s turnpin is therefore generally restricted to carrying out repairs to existing lead pipework.