Salvaging lead from old shower pan

[SteelyNirvana]

How much lead would be in an old shower pan? My granddad was a plumber and I found a shower pan in his old pipe fence this past winter. It's heavy as heck and I'll probably have to chain it to the car to drag out. Would it be worth the effort?

Thanks

[montana_charlie]

Heck no!
If a chunk of lead is too heavy to carry home in your pocket, you should let somebody else have it.
CM

[lylejb]

check it with a magnet.

lots of older tubs, shower pans, ect were cast iron, which would also be plenty heavy.

if it is lead, by all means, go for it!!:-D

[DLCTEX]

The lead shower pans I have encountered would not exceed 30 lbs. and are about 1/8 in. thick and very flexible. Most of them are heavily oxidized after being in place in a damp environment for years. They usually come out in pieces. I have one sitting in a bucket waiting to be smelted. They are pure lead IME.

[Wayne Smith]

The one I was given was closer to 1/4" than 1/8" and was difficult to bend. It was heavier than roofing lead. I would guess I got a good 70lbs out of it and maybe more.

[Jim]

They quit making 1/4" pan sheeting back in the 40's or 50's. All pan sheeting since then is 12 gauge or just a touch under 1/8" thick.

[deltaenterprizes]

The seams may be 50-50 solder.

[trk]

Usually there's a little antimony for strength. Render it - test it for hardness, then you'll know.