Separate lead supply pipes

Separate supply pipes are sometimes made of lead. The diagram below shows who is responsible for the water supply pipes on a separate supply. We are responsible for the communication pipe (A) from our water main to the boundary of your property (B) where our main is.

Through our lead pipe replacement scheme, we will replace the length of pipe that is our responsibility free of charge. We will also provide a connection to the water main free of charge.

Before applying for the scheme, you need to think about what you must do - especially as you may need to pay to replace the lead pipes you are responsible for.

What do I have to do?

You or your plumber will have to lay a new supply pipe and do any necessary work to the plumbing inside your property. We will advise you where and how to lay your new supply pipe.

When you have completed this work, you need to contact us to arrange for one of our Inspectors to check the work. This is to make sure the work meets the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. There is no charge for this service. Please give us at least three working days notice for an appointment and make sure that you or your plumber is present at the inspection.

Our Inspector will give you or your plumber a 'pass' or 'fail' certificate:

• If the work fails the inspection, you will need to arrange with your plumber to bring the work up to standard. You will then need to ask for another inspection.
• When your work has passed we will arrange for the connection to be completed. We aim to do this within three to six weeks of your work passing the inspection. If there are engineering difficulties, or we have to lay a new length of water main, this will take longer.
• If your relaid supply pipe does not meet the required standards and we have to make return visits, we may charge you for extra visits.

Please note: It is your plumber's responsibility to complete the internal plumbing work to transfer you onto the new supply.

You are free to use any plumber to replace the common or lead supply pipe in your property. We recommend that you use a member of the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme to undertake this work.