Can You Get Help to Replace Lead Pipes?

Replacing old lead water pipes is essential for your health, but many homeowners worry about the cost. The good news is that you might not have to bear the full burden alone. Various water companies across the UK run schemes to encourage lead pipe replacement.

At Ardent Utilities, we work alongside these schemes to help you modernize your supply.

The "Common Supply" Issue

Often, lead pipes are shared between neighbors (a common supply). If you replace your section but your neighbor doesn't, some lead remains in the system. To combat this, many water companies offer incentives.

Water Company Schemes

While policies vary by region (e.g., Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities), common support includes:

1. Free Connection: If you pay a contractor (like us) to lay the new pipe from your house to the boundary, the water company will often connect it to their main in the street for free, waiving the usual connection fee.

2. Subsidy Schemes: Some companies offer a grant or subsidy towards the cost of the work, especially if the lead content in your water exceeds legal limits (10µg/l).

3. The "Communication Pipe": The pipe from the mains in the road to your boundary stop tap belongs to the water company. If you replace your private pipe (boundary to house), the water company is legally obliged to replace their section of lead pipe to ensure the whole run is lead-free.

Checking Your Eligibility

The first step is to contact your local water authority. Ask about their "Lead Replacement Scheme." They may send an inspector to test your water quality.

Our Role

Once you have approval or know the scheme details, you need an approved contractor to do the work on your property. As a WIAPS approved installer, Ardent Utilities can lay the new MDPE pipe, certify the work, and coordinate the final connection with the water board.

Invest in Health

Don't let cost deter you from safe water. Investigate the grants for lead pipes available in your area.

Get a Quote

Need a price for your part of the work? Contact Ardent Utilities for a competitive lead replacement quote.