To avoid creating a dead leg when removing redundant cold service pipework, what should be done?

• A. Cut back to supply to remove dead leg
• B. Cap and cap again
• C. Fill with inert material
• D. Leave in place and remove later

Answer: (A)

When a pipe run is removed, you want to eliminate any closed-off, stagnant length. A dead leg is that unused stub of pipe that has water sitting in it but isn’t part of the active flow, which can lead to stagnation and contamination over time. The correct approach is to cut the pipe back to the live supply so the redundant length is removed entirely, leaving no isolated section behind. This ensures the system remains free of stagnant pockets and avoids future problems. Jumping to cap only the stub or leaving it in place would still leave a dead leg, and filling with inert material isn’t a proper plumbing remedy.