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Homeowners & Builders

Congratulations on your exciting new project. If you are new to building and developing, don't worry, your dedicated case manager will help you through the process to get your development connected for water and wastewater.

Before you start, check if your development is in our area. See our 'Water connection calculator' to get a quick and easy estimate of how much your connection could cost.

Call us on 0345 072 6067 when you're ready, so we can understand your project and explain what you need to do. Before you apply, see our guidance on what you'll need to know.

Water services for your development can be laid by us or you can use your own contractor, also known as a self-lay provider (SLP). Once your development is complete we will adopt the water network. Find out more about SLPs.

Getting connected

Watch our video on getting a new water connection to find out what's involved from start to finish.

Our step by step guide to getting connected

Sewer and waster pipes underneath a house Man talking to a customer services agent Customer on a building site with developer services inspectors Step 3 - lay your pipework Step 4 - We complete the job Postman outside customers house with bill in their hand

Getting a water and wastewater connection

If you’re planning on having a water and wastewater connection in the next 12 months our step by step guide will explain the process of getting connected in 4 simple steps. Our key shows you what pipework you are responsible for and what UU is responsible for.

Step 1: Contact us to discuss your project

Call us on 0345 072 6067 and one of our dedicated case managers will help explain the process of what you need to do. Once you have applied for a water and wastewater connection (p1 & p2) we will work with you to help guide you from start to finish. You will have to arrange a contractor to carry out your wastewater connection.

Step 2: Quotation

Our friendly and helpful Developer Services Inspector will visit your site and help guide you with the water pipe laying process to ensure you have everything you need to make this go smoothly.

Step 3: You lay your pipework

All work within your private boundary will be completed by you or your contractor. Your Case Manager will advise you where you should lay out your new water supply pipe to. Your wastewater connection will be made by your appointed contractor and not United Utilities. If everything is in order, we'll issue an approval notice to your contractor within 10 working days, granting them permission to carry out the work.

Step 4: We complete the job

Once your new pipe work is laid and timescales for connections agreed - United Utilities field team will come to site and make your new water service connection live. Usually, your new water meter will be installed on the day of connection. Once your appointed contractor has received the approval to work on the public sewer for the wastewater connection, they can start the connection work.

Connection complete

Your new United Utilities account will be set up. We aim to complete the new water connection in line with your expectations so you have your new water supply ready for use as soon as you need it. Once your contractor has connected the drains to the sewer we will need to inspect it to ensure it has been done correctly. If the work has been carried out satisfactorily, we’ll issue a completion certificate.

Before you apply

To help your application go as smoothly as possible, we've outlined the main things you'll need to do before you apply for a water and wastewater connection. 

  • We understand that starting a new development can be daunting, so we've put together a list of the main things you'll need to know in getting connected.

    • Do you know what size of connection you require (domestic is usually 25mm)? 

    • Do you know the history of the land you're building on? 

    • Do you know where you want your meter(s) to be fitted? 

    • Do you know when you'd like the work to be carried out? 

    • Do you know what pipes may be located in your development?

    See our guidance documents for further information:

    Before you start any work, you should check to see if there are any pipes in the way. We can help advise you on the best course of action if necessary.

    Find out more

    • How much is it going to cost?

      The cost of your connection can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

      • The distance to the nearest main
      • The work we need to do in the highway
      • The amount of water you require

      To get a quick estimate on how much your connection could cost, you can use our water connections calculator. To discuss your project today, with a dedicated case manager call 0345 072 6067.

    • Are you eligible for a fee reduction?

      If your development is for domestic dwellings and you are using water efficient fittings and appliances or you are not planning on draining your water to a UU sewer, you may be eligible for a reduction.

      See our charges scheme for more information or call us on 0345 072 6067.

    • Is your plumber/ground worker a member of the Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS)? 

      If your plumber is not WIAPS approved, we can approve it for you.

    • Do you want to appoint a Self Lay Provider?

      Self Lay Providers (SLPs) can provide water services on behalf of a customer instead of by us. Click here to find out more.

Application forms and guidance

Choose from our list of application forms below that are relevant to your project.

Lead pipe replacement

Find out how to replace your lead pipes

Request a call back

Call us on 0345 072 6067 or we'll call you back at a time that suits you

Send us an email

Email us and we'll get back to you

See our FAQs

Find answers to some of our most common questions