If you think your property's internal pipework or supply pipe is made of lead, we advise you to consider replacing them.
If you apply to replace your lead supply pipe under the scheme, we will replace the lead pipes that we own free of charge. We will also connect the new supply pipe to the water main free of charge. We can only do our work when you have finished your work. Your property will be fed by one of two types of supply pipe - click on the links for further information:
How do I apply for the scheme?
We've made the application process as easy as possible. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Check to see which type of pipe is currently serving your property (use the links above for further information on both separate and common supply pipes).
2. Complete our online application form or alternatively, call us on 0845 746 1324 to register your application (minicom 0808 143 0295). You must not start any work until we have confirmed that your property is accepted onto the scheme.
3. We will contact you to confirm your acceptance, and enclose helpful factsheets, including "How to lay a new water supply pipe" which has all the technical information you, or your plumber, will need to lay the pipe.
4. You will then need to appoint a qualified plumber to replace the common or lead pipe in your premises up to the boundary of your property. You are free to use any plumber to replace your pipes. We recommend that you use a member of the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme.
5. Once your plumber has completed the work, please contact us on 0845 746 1324 to arrange for us to carry out an inspection. We are available to inspect the work Monday to Friday, either am or pm. However, if your plumber is Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme approved, no inspection will be required, just ask the plumber to send their Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme certificate to us and we'll go straight to step 7.
6. Once the work passes inspection, you can fill in any holes/trenches within your boundary.
7. We will then connect your pipe to the water main (this can take up to 6 weeks after the inspection or the certificate is submitted).
8. When we have connected your new supply, your plumber can connect your internal pipework to the new supply. If you're on a common supply, they will also disconnect your branch pipe from the shared pipe at the same time.
9. If you're on a single supply, we will return a few weeks later and permanently disconnect the old supply.