Water Supply Pipe Renewals

Professional Water Supply Pipe Renewal Services in England

If you believe the water supply pipe serving your property may require renewal or replacement, the English Water team is available to advise and provide the most appropriate solution. Common indicators include visible leaks, reduced water flow or pressure, or planned renovation works where upgrading an older or lead water supply pipe is sensible.

Low Water Flow or Pressure

The condition of your private water supply pipe plays a critical role in determining the volume and pressure of water entering your property. Where this pipe has deteriorated, it can significantly restrict flow to taps and appliances. Factors that commonly affect water flow include:

• The diameter of the water supply pipe
• Internal corrosion within the water supply pipe and appliances, particularly with older iron pipes where heavy corrosion can severely reduce internal bore size
• Household water demand at peak usage times
• The overall length of the water supply pipe
• Any leaks present on the water supply pipe
• Pressure levels within the public water main
• The number and type of fittings installed along the pipe route, including ferrules, stop taps, meters, bends, and joints
• Obstructions or faults such as partially closed stop taps, debris in meters or ferrules, physical damage, or internal degradation

In many cases, replacing the water supply pipe can significantly improve flow and pressure. To discuss your situation and receive a free quotation, contact English Water on 0800 316 7322 or email hello@englishwater.co.uk.

Lead Water Supply Pipes

Properties constructed before 1970 that have not undergone pipe upgrades may still be served by a lead water supply pipe.

Where lead pipes are present, it is recommended to run the cold tap briefly before using water for drinking or cooking. This helps clear water that has been standing in the water supply pipe for extended periods, such as overnight or during holidays, when lead concentrations may increase. Flushing the pipe reduces potential exposure.

Water from the hot tap should never be used for drinking or food preparation, as heated water dissolves lead more readily than cold water, increasing contamination risk.

Water companies routinely monitor drinking water quality to ensure compliance with national standards. Under The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, the legal maximum lead concentration is 10 micrograms per litre. However, lead is a toxic substance with no safe level of ingestion and is entirely preventable through pipe replacement.

If you are concerned about lead levels or wish to modernise your property, renewing your lead water supply pipe is a prudent and long-term solution.

Lead Pipes in Rented Properties

Replacing lead pipes is not merely recommended—it is a legal obligation for rented properties in England.

Lead-free water is the safest water.

Delaying action risks non-compliance, potential enforcement, and unnecessary health exposure. For further guidance, consult your water supplier or the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR).

Lead Pipes in England: Essential Information for Homeowners, Landlords, and Tenants

Many English properties built before 1970 continue to rely on outdated lead pipe for their water supply. These legacy systems pose serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. Although water leaving treatment works is effectively lead-free, contamination can occur as water passes through private lead pipes serving individual properties.

This guide outlines the risks, legal responsibilities, regulations, testing options, interim precautions, and the only permanent solution—complete lead pipe replacement.

Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water

• Children: Exposure may cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavioural issues, and reduced cognitive ability
• Pregnant women: Lead can cross the placenta, increasing risks of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight
• Adults: Prolonged exposure has been linked to kidney damage, hypertension, fertility problems, and memory impairment

Lead accumulates in the body over time. There is no safe exposure level, and removal of the source is the only effective prevention.

How Lead Enters Drinking Water

Lead is not present in water sources or public mains. Contamination occurs when treated water flows through private lead pipe and fittings. The longer water remains stagnant within these materials, the greater the potential for lead to dissolve into it.

Additional sources may include:

• Internal lead pipe
• Historic lead-based solder on copper pipework
• Older brass fittings
• Lead-lined storage tanks, often found in lofts of older properties

Regulations and Legal Limits

The UK legal limit for lead in drinking water is 10 micrograms per litre (10 µg/L). When lead is identified, water suppliers will replace lead communication pipes under their ownership once the private section has been renewed.

Internationally, the European Union has committed to reducing the limit to 5 µg/L by 2036, and similar reductions are increasingly anticipated in the UK.

England enforces standards under:

• The Water Supply (Water Quality) (England) Regulations 2010
• The Housing (England) Act 2006 and Repairing Standard (landlord obligations)

Responsibilities for Lead Pipe Replacement

• Water suppliers: Own and maintain the communication pipe from the public main to the external stop tap and will replace it if lead is present once the private section is renewed
• Property owners: Responsible for the private water supply pipe from the boundary stop tap into the property and all internal plumbing
• Landlords: Must ensure privately rented properties are free from lead pipes by 1 March 2024

How to Identify a Lead Pipe

You may have a lead pipe if:

• Your property predates 1970
• You live in a terrace, tenement, or rural property with shared supplies

Visual checks include:

• Dull grey appearance
• Soft material that scratches easily to reveal a shiny silver surface
• A dull sound when tapped, unlike copper or plastic

If unsure, English Water can assist with identification.

Free Lead Testing in England

For reassurance or where lead is suspected:

• Contact English Water for a free water quality test
• Samples are taken from the kitchen tap (before and after flushing) and sometimes from the external stop tap
• If results exceed legal limits, English Water will guide you through replacement, and your water supplier will renew their section once yours is complete

Short-Term Measures to Reduce Exposure

While arranging full replacement:

• Flush the cold tap for 2–3 minutes after periods of non-use
• Use cold water only for drinking, cooking, and infant formula
• Store flushed water in the fridge for later use
• Clean tap aerators frequently
• Avoid disturbing old pipework during DIY
• Use certified lead-removal filters if necessary

Full Lead Pipe Replacement

The only permanent solution is full replacement from boundary to tap.

Process:

• Appoint English Water
• Replace the private water supply pipe
• Notify the water supplier to replace the communication pipe
• Flush the system thoroughly
• Retain all compliance documentation

Technical requirements include:

• Burial depth between 750mm and 1350mm
• Ducting and insulation at entry point
• Sand or gravel backfill for the initial 250mm
• Pipe exposed at both ends for inspection

Shared Supply Arrangements

Where properties share a supply:

• Neighbour coordination is required
• A separate supply may be requested
• Local authority grants or loans may be available

Tenants' Rights

If you rent and suspect lead pipes:

• Request testing and replacement from your landlord
• Share test results if obtained independently
• Non-compliance can be reported to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)

After Replacement

Once completed:

• Flush all cold outlets for at least 30 minutes
• Clean aerators
• Avoid kettles and filters initially
• Request confirmation testing
• Retain paperwork for future sale or letting

Take Action Today

If your property predates 1970:

• Check for lead pipes
• Arrange a free test
• Replace the private supply pipe
• Request public-side replacement
• Encourage neighbours if supplies are shared

Safe water begins with lead-free pipes.

Mitigation Measures While Awaiting Replacement

• Flush taps daily for 3–5 minutes
• Use cold water only
• Reuse flushed water where possible
• Be aware that orthophosphate dosing by suppliers reduces but does not eliminate risk
• Pipes longer than 30 metres may not flush effectively—replacement is strongly advised

Renovating Your Property?

Renovation provides an ideal opportunity to renew your water supply pipe, especially where plumbing is already exposed. Replacing the pipe during renovation works can reduce future disruption and costs.

This is particularly important during driveway replacement, as upgrading the water supply pipe at the same time prevents the need for later excavation.

Get Your Free Quote Today

English Water carries out water supply pipe renewals across England and offers free, no-obligation quotations. To arrange a consultation, call 0800 316 7322 or email hello@englishwater.co.uk and speak with our team about your water supply requirements.