If you need to replace the water pipes in your home, is it straightforward to do. What reasons are there to undertake this work?

Water pipes are vital. They supply water to your household for drinking, washing and numerous other tasks. You want the network of pipes serving your property to be in a good state of repair to ensure you have a safe, reliable supply of water all the time.

What are the reasons you might need replacement water pipes?

Your property might have lead pipes. Lead in the water supply can be hazardous to health, therefore it makes sense to replace old, lead water pipes. Replacement plastic pipework will not corrode, and will last a long time.

Old pipework may not be providing adequate pressure to run various things properly in your home, such as showers and washing machines. Often, the internal diameter, or bore, of older pipes is not wide enough to provide sufficient water flow.

If your pipework is old, it is more likely to be prone to leaks, as it will deteriorate over time. You may spot water pooling above ground, or hear running water even when your taps are turned off – these are indicators that you have a leak somewhere.

One-off repairs may solve the problem for now, but if you have, old, damaged pipework, you’re better off finding a long-term solution.

Another reason for replacement water pipes is if you are on a common supply. This is where more than one property, usually in a row of terraced houses, share the same common supply pipe. This situation can add to pressure problems, and your supply pipe may also be lead.

Taking Steps

You can replace your own pipes, if you have the skill, resources and patience. In fact, within your property boundary, you are responsible for your water supply, so it might make sense for you to do this work.

However, it is a demanding task for the non-professional. You will have to lay your new pipework beyond your boundary to connect with the common supply pipe. You will have to contact your water authority so that they can come out and check and approve the work you are doing.

Using the right material for your new pipework is a must – and if there is any possibility of the ground surrounding your property being contaminated before you begin, this will affect what material you can use.

The pipe must be laid in trench to a specified depth, between 750mm and 1350mm deep.

You will need to lag and insulate your new pipework to BS 6700. And if it passes through any building foundations, then it must be within a duct of at least 100mm diameter.

All your trenchwork must be checked by your local water authority.

By far the easiest solution, which will ensure you have new pipework that is of the highest standard, meeting all regulations and requirements, is to have someone do it for you.

Contact Pipeline Services, and we’ll sort out your replacement water pipes for you, taking all the hassle out of the process.