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Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme

We recommend that any customer with lead pipes has them upgraded. This isn’t just to avoid any potential health implications, but also to improve the quality of your pipes. This will reduce the likelihood of household leaks, in turn avoiding high water bills, water waste and even damage to your property.

Under the scheme, we may offer a free like for like connection of a replacement water supply pipe (i.e. same size), from your boundary to the water main in the road or footpath.

Please note you’ll need to replace all the pipework up to the boundary of your property, and you will be responsible for the costs related to this part of the work.

Find all the information you need about the scheme and how to apply by watching our video or reading the steps below.

Getting your lead pipes replaced

Watch our video to find out more about getting your lead pipes replaced.

  • You can apply for the scheme if the following applies:

    • You have a lead supply pipe; this is either a single or common supply (a water pipe that supplies water to two or more properties using a shared stop tap).

    • You are the owner of the property on a lead supply where the water is used for domestic purposes, drinking, cooking, washing, food preparation.

    • Your property has not been demolished or has not been/going to be split into multiple dwellings.

    • Your property has an existing water supply, is not a new build and it’s not too far from a water main.

    • You must have an active billing account with United Utilities

  • To complete the application form you will need:

    • Your United Utilities’ account number for the property where the work is taking place. 

    • Information on your water supply pipe, you will need to know it’s a single or common supply (a water pipe that supplies water to two or more properties using a shared stop tap). If you’re unsure, a plumber will be able to check it for you.

    • When completing the form please answer the questions as accurately as possible, as incorrect or incomplete information can cause delays or for your application to be revoked .

    • We aim to process the application within 10 working days of receipt. Sometimes we’ll need to complete further additional checks which may take more time, we’ll let you know if this happens.

    Apply now

  • We review your application and if you’re accepted onto the scheme, we’ll send instructions and guidance for installing the pipework within your boundary. The exact location of your connection will be outlined by your case manager once you’re accepted on to the scheme

    If your application is rejected, we will explain why this is the case. For example, your property may be too far from the nearest water main, or street restrictions may prevent us from carrying out replacement works.

  • You can read the steps below for how to replace your pipework, or alternatively we have a video you can watch here.

    When you’ve laid your new pipework, you must be able to answer YES to the following questions for us to come out and complete our inspection.

    - Is the internal pipe work laid to a minimum depth of 750mm (2 foot 6 inches)?

    - Is the pipework laid to a minimum of 1m away from any trees, lamp posts, lighting columns etc?

    - Is the trench lined with soft earth or sand?

    - Is the trench fully exposed?

    - Is the pipe work insulated and ducted where it enters the building?

    - Is the ducting sealed at both ends?

    - Has the stop tap and drain off valve been fitted at the point of entry?

    - Has the pipework been laid under the wall or hedge at the property boundary?

    - Is there at least 2 metres of pipe coiled up at the boundary?

    - Is the end of the pipe located at the edge of the property boundary sealed?

    If you answer NO to any of the above, it will fail the inspection, and your application will be refused.

  • We would always recommend using a WaterSafe approved plumber, but if you haven’t you will need to contact us to arrange an inspection. The trench should be left open to allow us to inspect the work. If the first inspection fails, a charge may be applied for subsequent visits.

    If you've used a WaterSafe approved plumber, they will have access to our online video survey which they will need to complete once on site and the excavation is open. The video survey will provide evidence of compliance with water regulations.

  • We’ll arrange the connection of your new pipework for a date that's convenient for you, and we aim to complete the work within 6 weeks. However, there may be a few reasons why it could take longer:

    • If it’s a non-standard connection.
    • If work is needed on the United Utilities network.
    • If permits and assessments are required. 

    We’ll keep you updated on any changes to the timescales.

  • If you’re on your own supply (single supply), we’ll disconnect your old supply when we complete the new connection. 

    If you are on a shared or common supply, your plumber will need to complete the disconnection from the shared supply where it joins to the shared section of the common supply pipe.

    If you need any further information, please get in touch 0345 072 6082.