Lead Pipe Replacement

If your home was built before 1970, there's a real chance the pipe bringing water from the street is made of lead. Lead pipes don't just fail with age — they can leach into your drinking water, which is why replacement is one of the most requested jobs on WaterTrust.

Replacement means laying a new plastic (MDPE) supply pipe from the water company's stop valve at your boundary into the property, usually by moling under gardens and drives so there's minimal digging.

Post your lead pipe replacement job — free

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What the work involves

• A survey to confirm the pipe material and trace its route
• A new MDPE supply pipe laid from the boundary to your internal stop tap
• Trenchless installation (impact moling) where ground conditions allow
• Connection, pressure testing and reinstatement of any excavated areas

When you need it

• Your water has a metallic taste or you've had a lead test result
• The property pre-dates 1970 and still has its original supply
• You're renovating and want the supply brought up to modern standards
• Your water company has flagged lead on your side of the boundary

Lead Pipe Replacement — common questions

Who owns the supply pipe?

You do — everything on your side of the outside stop valve (usually at the property boundary) is the homeowner's responsibility. The water company owns the main and the communication pipe up to that valve.

Will my garden be dug up?

Usually not much. Most replacements are done by impact moling — a pneumatic tool that pulls the new pipe underground between small launch and reception pits.

Do water companies help with the cost?

Many UK water companies run lead replacement schemes offering free or subsidised work on their side, and some contribute to the private side. Your WaterTrust contractor can advise what applies in your region.

Ready to get quotes?

Post the job free — approved contractors across the UK see it straight away.