Getting your lead pipes replaced

United Utilities offer a lead pipe replacement scheme. Within the scheme, you are responsible for replacing the lead pipes from your house and up to the boundary of your property. United Utilities will then replace the pipework from the edge of your boundary to the water main. This video explains the process of replacing your lead pipes and what you need to do.

Video chapters:
00:00 Overview
01:18 Apply to the lead pipe replacement scheme
02:06 You replace your pipework
03:20 Preparing for our visit
04:35 We make the connection

If you think you have found lead pipes supplying water to your home we would advise replacing them. If you are unsure if you have lead pipes you can contact us for advice.

Lead can deform or crack over time, affecting the flow and creating leaks. The Government also advises that we should minimise our exposure to lead from all sources, including drinking water.

To take part, you first need to apply to United Utilities. You can apply via our website or call us on 0345 072 6082.

If you are accepted for the lead replacement scheme, we will provide you with a dedicated case manager who will look after you until all the work is complete.

You have an option to either do the work yourself on your side of the boundary and we come out to inspect it, or you can employ a Watersafe approved plumber to do this work for you.

If you choose to do the work yourself you will need to buy the following materials:
• Some 25mm PE pipe
• Ducting and pipe insulation
• Some tracing mesh or warning tape
• A mechanical stop end
• An internal stop tap and drain off (if you don’t already have one)

If you've used a non Watersafe approved plumber, you will need to contact us to arrange an inspection. The trench should be left open to allow us to inspect the work. If you've used a Watersafe approved plumber, they will need to send us a photo of the completed pipework at the boundary and their Watersafe certificate.
We’ll let you know when we can come and make the connection of your new pipework.

Our connections team usually attend in a van with a trailer on – so please allow up to 5 car lengths for the team to park.

Also, please make sure the area is free from skips and scaffolding.

The works will take place in a number of stages. We will agree the traffic management needed with the highways authority in advance, to make sure the works are carried out as safely as possible.

Once the traffic management is set up – our connections team will carry out the excavation and connect your new supply pipe to our water main. Usually the backfilling and final reinstatement of the excavation happens within the following couple of days after the connection is made.

We will come back to clear the site, removing any signs, barriers or traffic cones making sure your site is left clean and tidy.

If you’re thinking of replacing your lead pipes and would like further information or you just want to speak to us please, get in touch on 0345 072 6082. unitedutilities.com/builders-developers

Web links: Website: https://www.unitedutilities.com/build....
Application page: https://www.unitedutilities.com/help-...
Contact us: https://www.unitedutilities.com/build...
Call us on 0345 072 6082