At London & Surrey Plumbing Services, we understand the importance of safe, clean drinking water in your home or business. Ensuring your water quality is our top priority.

If your property was built before the 1970s, there’s a chance that lead pipes may still be part of your plumbing system, posing health risks to your family or occupants. With growing awareness and evolving regulations around the dangers of lead exposure, now is the perfect time to take action.

As approved plumbers, we specialise in lead pipe replacement. We ensure that your water supply is not only Lead-Free but also complies with the current water supply regulations, safeguarding your health and well-being.

Our team is fully qualified and experienced, equipped to handle the replacement process from start to finish. We collaborate closely with you and your local water company to ensure a seamless and hassle-free service. We manage every aspect, from the initial assessment to the final installation, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Understanding the Risk: Lead Pipes and Public Health

Lead is a potent neurotoxin, meaning it directly affects the nervous system. It is especially harmful to children and pregnant women, causing irreversible damage even at very low exposure levels.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made it clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even trace amounts can result in significant and long-lasting health issues, including:

Cognitive Impairments: Lowered IQ, reduced academic performance, and delayed language development. A significant study from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) demonstrated that even minimal lead exposure reduces reading and writing abilities.

Behavioral Issues: Increased impulsivity, attention deficits, and a higher likelihood of developing conditions like ADHD. The research also shows a link between lead exposure and heightened aggression or antisocial behaviour.

Chronic Health Problems in Adults: While children are the most vulnerable, adults are also at risk. Prolonged lead exposure can contribute to hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disorders, creating long-term burdens on healthcare systems.

Regulations concerning lead levels in drinking water are becoming stricter. The lead concentration threshold in England and Wales is 10 micrograms per litre but, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has signalled that this limit will likely be reduced to 5 micrograms per litre or lower, in line with European Drinking Water Directive recommendations.

The Prevalence of Lead Pipework in London

With extensive infrastructure, London has long struggled with the legacy of lead pipes. Lead pipework was commonly used in constructing homes and water networks until it was banned for new installations in 1970.

As a result, many properties built before this ban still have lead service pipes connecting them to the main water supply and internal lead plumbing.

Thames Water estimates that over 1.2 million lead communication pipes still connect properties to the main water supply in their service area, with many of these concentrated in London and surrounding areas.

Additionally, a vast but undetermined number of lead supply pipes remain within properties, which is the homeowners’ responsibility. The complexity of identifying and replacing these pipes across such a large, densely populated city adds to the challenge.

Why Replace Lead Pipes?

Replacing lead pipes is the only permanent solution to reduce lead exposure and maintain drinking water quality. There are numerous benefits to replacing your old lead pipes, especially under the Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme:

Improved Water Quality: lead water pipes improve the overall quality of your drinking water, reducing the risk of contamination.

Improved Water Pressure & Flow Rates: Lead pipework is typically undersized to supply modern plumbing systems. By replacing your lead Our team will use equipment known as impact moling to replace the communication pipe., you can benefit from improved water pressure and flow rates, ensuring a steady water supply to your property.

Reduced Water Waste: Replacing old lead pipes significantly decreases water wastage, as these pipes are prone to leaks. Modern materials provide greater durability, helping to prevent leaks and conserve water effectively.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your water supply is safe and free from lead contamination provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for families with young children or pregnant women.

Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme

The Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme is designed to help homeowners and landlords replace their lead service pipes.

Under this lead replacement scheme, Thames Water will replace the portion of the lead piping known as the communication pipe (comms pipe) that runs from the water main to the property boundary.

Understanding Pipe Ownership

Customer Responsibility: You are responsible for the supply pipe running from the outside stop valve to the internal stop valve inside your property, including any internal plumbing.

Thames Water’s Responsibility: Thames Water maintains the communication pipe, which connects the water main to your outside stop valve.

Eligibility for the Replacement Scheme

You may qualify for the scheme if:

Your property was built before 1970.
You suspect the presence of lead supply pipework.
Thames Water hasn’t previously replaced the communication pipe.
You plan to replace your lead supply pipe within three months.

Property owners are responsible for replacing the pipes from the boundary to their property at their own cost. This is where our services as approved plumbers come in.

At London & Surrey Plumbing Services, we can advise whether you qualify for a free lead replacement scheme and guide you through the application process to ensure you get the most support available.

We work closely with Thames Water, Affinity Water and the SES Water Lead Replacement Scheme to to ensure a smooth pipe replacement process. Our team will replace your lead pipes, ensuring that your water supply pipe meets the latest standards from the property boundary to your home’s internal stop valve.

The Lead Pipe Replacement Process: What to Expect

The lead pipe replacement process involves several key steps:

Survey and Quotation: Our team will inspect your existing supply to determine the extent of the lead pipework. We then determine the most direct, least disruptive, and cost-effective route for replacing your lead piping.

Submit your Request to the Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme: During the survey, we will help you to complete and submit the necessary online application form for the Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme.

Lead Pipe Replacement: Once you’ve submitted your request, we will schedule a convenient time for the replacement work to take place. Our team will use equipment known as impact moling, replacing the communication pipe. Thames Water aims to carry out the replacement within 3 months but typically completesAfter installing the new pipe, we will backfill and reinstate any excavated areas, leaving your property in its original condition.

Certification: Upon completion of the supply pipe replacement, we will issue a certificate of work completed. This document will detail the tasks performed and confirm that your newly installed water supply pipe complies with current water supply regulations.

Thames Water Survey: Once our certificate is accepted, a Thames Water engineer will attend to investigate our side of the replacement (the communications pipe). If it is made of lead, the attending engineer will use blue paint to mark the public footpath and carriageway and raise a task for our planning team, who will organise permits to work and a traffic management plan with your local council.

Replacement of the Communication Pipe: Once permits and a traffic management plan are in place, Thames Water will schedule a date for replacing the communication pipe. Thames Water aims to carry out the replacement within 3 months but typically completes it within 6-8 weeks.

Final Connection: As Thames Water completes the communication pipe replacement, we will attend to make the final connection of the new supply pipe to your existing internal pipework, ensuring minimal interruption to your water supply.

Why Choose us for Lead Pipe Replacement in London?

Our team is fully accredited and experienced in replacing lead pipes and working with Thames Water’s pipe replacement scheme. We handle all aspects of the project, from the initial inspection to the final connection, ensuring high-quality and professional service every step of the way.

Experienced and Knowledgeable Team

Our team of engineers and technicians have extensive knowledge and experience in the lead pipe replacement process. They are fully trained and accredited by Thames Water, ensuring that your work is carried out to the highest standards.

Compliance with Regulations

We understand the importance of complying with current water supply regulations. That’s why we ensure that all our work meets the required standards and regulations set by Thames Water. Our certificate of completion serves as proof that your newly installed water supply pipe complies with these regulations.

Efficient Process

We strive to make the lead pipe replacement process as smooth and hassle-free as possible for our customers. From obtaining permits to completing the final connection, we handle all the necessary steps efficiently and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Affordable Prices

We offer competitive prices for our lead pipe replacement services in London, ensuring that our clients receive excellent value for their investment. Our experienced team is committed to providing high-quality workmanship at affordable rates, making our services accessible to everyone who needs them.

What our Customers Say

B Young

Alan is highly professional and knowledgable and shared his excellent advice and expertise on the job he did for me, giving me good peace of mind that the job was done property. He replaced my lead supply pipe with 25mm mdpe pipe and did a great job for a very reasonable price. He left the site in an excellent state after making good and finishing the job. Very highly recommended indeed!

Nick Hill

Alan replaced our lead water pipe. His communication was great both before, during and following up after the work was completed. I would be very happy to recommend his services – straight forward and easy to deal with.

Natalie

I was very impressed with the lead replacement that took place by this company. The work was very professional, conscientious and great value.

Guy Millward

Alan did an excellent job installing our new mains water pipe and removing old internal lead pipes. He was quick and very tidily put the drive back to its original condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme?

How do I know if I have lead pipes in my property?

Lead pipes can technically be repaired, but it’s not recommended due to the risks of galvanic corrosion. When a lead pipe is joined with other metals like copper during repairs, it can create a galvanic cell, causing the metals to corrode where they connect. This corrosion not only weakens the pipes over time but can also increase lead contamination in your water. Given these risks and the health concerns associated with lead, complete replacement with safer, modern materials is the best solution for long-term safety and water quality.

What are the health risks associated with lead pipes?

The time required for a water supply pipe replacement depends on factors such as the length of the pipework and whether the property has a shared supply. Typically, the process can be completed within a few days. The replacement of the communication pipe by your water company may take up to 3 months

Am I eligible for the Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme?

Yes, to fully eliminate the risks of lead contamination, it’s recommended lead water pipes in the system, including both those on public land and those within your property.

What is the process for replacing lead pipes under this scheme?

Thames Water Approved Plumbers Whether you need a new water connection, lead pipes replaced, a leak repaired, or a completely new plumbing system installed. Thames Water recommends you choose a Thames Water Approved Plumber to carry out plumbing work in your home or place of business. Similar to schemes such as the Gas Safe Register, Thames Water has approved a list of plumbers across its supply region to check they are qualified and have the knowledge required to install, repair and maintain plumbing systems in compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 What is the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999? Regulations are in place to cover the installation and repair of all plumbing systems fed by public water supplies. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 are legal requirements for designing, installing, and maintaining plumbing systems in England & Wales. The Water Supply Regulations dictate how plumbing systems are installed to prevent the water you use from being contaminated or wasted. What is an Approved Plumber? The Approved Plumber has been given a very useful concession in that they may start work without notification or prior consent on certain types of work, provided they issues the customer (and for some types of work, the Water Supplier) with a certificate of compliance of the work when it is completed. What is an Approved Supply Pipe Contractor? Thames Water Approved Plumbers Scheme (TAPS) The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) grants organisations such as Thames Water consent to run an approved contractor scheme. Approved status enabling plumbers or groundworks contractors to self-certificate their work. Self-certification removes the requirement for approved contractor's installations to be inspected by Thames Water, which has a legal duty to enforce the regulations to ensure the requirements are met. Like other competent person schemes such as the Gas Safe Register, Thames Water vet all applicants to ensure they are qualified plumbers or ground workers and have the required knowledge in water regulations before granting approved status. All members are regularly audited and must produce evidence of public and employers' liability insurance. Currently, there are two parts to Thames Water's scheme; 'Approved Plumber' and '3rd Party Approval'. What are the benefits of using Thames Water Approved Plumbers? Thames Water Approved Plumbers are qualified to carry out plumbing work in homes and business premises. 

Thames Water Approved Plumbers have been trained in Water Supply (Fittings Regulations) 1999 to ensure there should be no risk of sub-standard installation or poor-quality materials that could cause contamination to your drinking water supply.
Thames Water Approved Plumbers are familiar with Thames Water policies and application procedures, including new connections and supply pipe upgrades, the lead pipe replacement scheme and customer side leaks.

For most types of plumbing work, anyone proposing to carry out works has a legal duty to notify Thames Water in advance and receive written consent before work starts. This can lead to delays in applications.
Thames Water Approved Plumbers are exempt from advanced notification for certain types of work. They issue Thames Water Approved Plumbers' (TAPS) certificates to confirm their work is compliant with Water Fitting Regulations.
TAPS Certificates can be submitted to Thames Water to progress applications and connection dates.
Thames Water has a duty to inspect new plumbing installations. By instructing the services of Thames Water Approved Plumbers, the issuing of TAPS certificates bypasses the need for any required regulation's inspection.
Thames Water Approved Plumbers offer assurance to customers that their work is carried out to satisfy the requirements of the Water Fittings Regulations.

Thames Water Approved Plumbers Certifying of Internal Plumbing Works Under the main section of the scheme, approved plumbers have demonstrated the req level of competence in Water Regulations. Being approved means that they can self-certify their work. Self-certification by an approved plumber bypasses the need for inspection by Thames Water. 3rd Party Approval Certifying External Supply Pipework Thames Water Approved Plumbers and Supply Pipe Contractors under this section of the scheme carry out or direct installation work or oversee the installations of 3rd parties. They can then, once complete, certify that the their installation complies with the regulations! Once the pipework has been inspected and a TAPS 5 certificate issued, an external inspection by Thames Water is not required. TAPS Certificates There are currently five types of certificates: TAPS 3 Certificate A TAPS 3 certificate is issued by an approved plumber to certify the compliance of plumbing systems installed in newly constructed properties and can be only issued by Thames Water Approved Plumbers. TAPS 4a Certificate A TAPS 4a certificate is issued by an approved plumber when instructed by a client to carry out the required remedial works following a Thames Water Regulations Inspections. Issuing a TAPS 4a certificate suspends any pending enforcement action by securing an extension of time to complete the necessary works. A TAPS 4a is followed up by a TAPS 4 certificate once the works are completed. A TAPS 4a certificate can only be issued by Thames Water Approved Plumbers TAPS 4 Certificate A TAPS 4 Certificate is issued by an approved plumber following the carrying out of any internal plumbing works in existing properties that require no new water connections or service pipe upgrades of existing connection Thames Water. This can only be issued by a Thames Water Approved Plumbers. TAPS 5 Certificate (3rd party approval) For underground supply pipes from a property's boundary to an inside stop valve, either an approved plumber or an approved groundworker can issue a TAPS 5 certificate. TAPS 6 Certificate For works that require advanced notification, a TAPS 6 certificate can be issued by an approved plumber and followed by a TAPS 4 certificate once the work is complete. For further information on the Thames Water Approved Plumbers Scheme, please contact Thames Water Water Regulations Planning PO BOX 508 Swindon SN28 9TU Tel: 0800 009 3926 Email: approved.plumbers@thameswater.co.uk Thames Water's Approved Plumbers form part of the national WaterSafe Scheme

Do I need to hire an approved plumber for the replacement?