Copper water pipe in ground?

[jimamberdog]

Whilst digging footings for our extension, we uncovered a copper pipe which ran in the same trench as the electric cable. Is it possible that this is the incoming water supply for the house? The house was built in early 1970's. I need to tap into the water supply as only the extension will now require water as bathroom and kitchen will now be there. I have not heard of rising mains being in copper outside of a building. I know it is not the gas pipe as it is nowhere near the gas meter box and gas was installed later than the original build.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[slumlandlord]

Hi
In 1985 I replaced a lead water pipe with copper I did put it in a black plastic pipe. The copper pipe that was used is soft so it can bend. You would be better off to replace the water main (In blue 28mm plastic pipe) from the stop cock in the road to a new internal one in the house. If you lay the pipe yourself then get the water Co to reconnect to the new pipe, this is free of charge they my fit a water meter which you do not need to accept if you pay on the old rating system.