New service pipe/communication pipe

[Rob876]

Just wondering what the process for having an old lead communication pipe-service pipe from water mains removed would be? Do the authorities need informing? (my friend has a lead pipe coming up into kitchen so I'm not sure if this lead pipe will go all the way to the mains or just to outside stop tap?) he wants it updated for safety sake (there is still lots of lead out there hey) thanks, Rob.

 

[Burger]

Good Morning Rob,

I don’t know about other water undertakers, but united utilities offer a free lead replacement scheme, and by that I mean they will connect your new MDPE up to their main for free, all other work must be carried out to their satisfaction, so yes they will need to know about it, unless you use a wiaps (WRAS What is WIAPS?) plumber. Once they have connected MDPE up disconnection of the lead can take place, bearing in mind, if it’s last on the run, it needs to be taken back to the branch to avoid a dead leg in the supply.

Edit: United Utilities - Lead replacement scheme

 

[Svenedin]

I'm with Thames Water. They have a lead replacement scheme which I have recently enquired about. They will replace their pipes to the main but only if it can be shown that the lead levels in your water exceed a certain level. Pipes within the property boundary are the home owners responsibility. There are also companies that specialise in this work (I have also been making enquiries there) and they will do the necessary liaison with the water company. It's worth considering what size water main you want as there is not much difference in the cost of the work to upgrade from 25 to 32mm.

 

[Rob876]

Very interesting, thank you for your responses, I will look into a potential lead replacement scheme in my area, thanks again.