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Your Pipes

This is a page dedicated to your water supply pipes, this is where you can learn more about your pipes, how you can treat and maintain them as well as advice for keeping them in tip-top condition during all weather conditions.

Cold weather advice

Protect your home this winter by following our cold weather advice

Water supply pipes

What you need to know about the pipes that connect your home to the water mains in the road

Lead pipes

Lead pipes carry certain health risks. But don't worry, we'll help you identify if you have them and how they can be replaced

Burst pipes

Follow our tips to help get back up and running after a burst pipe

Standpipes

Click here if you require an additional water supply outside of our normal supply arrangements

Up My Street

Click here to find out if there are any issues that may be impacting the water supply in your area

FAQs

  • When replacing lead pipes can I get help to cover the cost?

    If you're considering replacing any lead pipes inside your home, it might be an idea to speak to your local council to see if they have any grants available to help with the cost.

    Usually, the environmental health or housing department would be best placed to give you advice on this. All pipes within the boundary of your property are your responsibility to replace and maintain. However, if your external water supply pipe (the pipe that brings water into your home from our water main in the street) is made of lead and you're considering replacing this, we have a scheme whereby we will connect your new pipe free of charge and replace any section of lead pipe beyond your property boundary up the main in the street.

    More details about this scheme can be found here.

    Still need further information or help? Please Contact us.

  • How do I get in touch about replacing lead or common supply pipes?

    If you want to replace a lead or common supply pipe, please complete our online lead pipes replacement form or call us on 0345 072 6082 for information on the scheme.

    Still need further information or help? Please Contact us.

  • How will I know if I have lead pipes?

    Many houses built before 1970 have lead plumbing and also a lead supply pipe (the underground pipe which connects your home to the water main in the street). If your home was built after 1970, it is unlikely to have lead pipes. 

    A simple check is to look at the pipework in your kitchen. Find the pipe leading to the internal stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink). Lead pipes are dark grey (under any paint) and are soft and easily marked. If in doubt, ask a plumber to check for you.

    We also have lots of helpful advice about lead pipes here.

    Still need further information or help? Please Contact us.

  • Before I replace lead pipes what can I do in the short term?

    There are a few simple things you can do to minimise any health risks from lead pipes.

    Run the water: when you wake up in the morning, run the cold tap in the kitchen to flush out any water that has been standing in the pipes overnight. A sink full should do it. You can always use this water for your plants.

    Flush the loo: flushing the loo will also do the job of clearing any water that has been standing in the pipes overnight.

    Use the kitchen tap: only use water from the cold tap in the kitchen for drinks and food preparation. You can find more tips here.

    Still need further information or help? Please Contact us.

For more frequently asked questions click here.