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Executive summary The overall body of evidence supports an association between childhood lead exposure and…
If you’re looking for experienced plumbing contractors who can assist in applying for a new water supply connection from Thames Water, look no further than London & Surrey Water Services Ltd.
We are a team of WaterSafe-approved plumbers and supply pipe contractors who specialise in new water supply pipe installations, upgrading existing supplies, and separating shared supply pipes on behalf of customers who are applying for a new water connection from Thames Water Developer Services.
Our experienced team can provide the necessary services to ensure that your new water supply connection meets all the requirements set by Thames Water.
We have extensive experience working with developers, homeowners, and business owners across Greater London to secure new water connections with Thames Water Developer Services.
We can guide you through the application process, provide advice on the most cost-effective and least disruptive options for installing your new supply pipe, and ensure that the required works are carried out safely and without disrupting your home or business activities.
At London & Surrey Water Services, we take pride in providing our customers with a competent, competitively priced service.
We are committed to ensuring that all our work is carried out safely and efficiently, so you can rest assured that your new water supply connection will be installed correctly and meet the requirements set out in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
This includes providing the necessary certification upon completion.
We are always happy to provide advice and a free estimate without obligation
Take advantage of our limited-time offer and save 10% on all lead pipe replacement works.This discount applies to full supply-pipe renewals carried out by our approved moling contractors.
Not sure whether your property has lead pipes or elevated lead levels in your water? We offer lead content testing to help you assess your risk before committing to replacement works.
You will need a new water connection if you are building a new property, subdividing an existing property into separate dwellings with a new postal address, or intending to separate from a shared supply pipe.
We will be happy to carry out an initial inspection of your plumbing system to determine your requirements, offer advice on the most effective and least disruptive routes for installing your new supply pipe into your building, and help determine the best point of entry onto the site. We will also provide you with a quote for carrying out the work.
You must contact Thames Water Developer Services to begin applying for a new water supply connection. At this stage, Developer Services can provide you with an estimated cost for your new connection or for the upgrade of your existing connection.
You must submit your application and all required paperwork to Thames Water Developer Services. This will include the application form, point-of-entry drawing, and water fittings table, which allow Developer Services to calculate the required pipe size for the new water connection.
Thames Water Developer Services will need to review your application and may ask for additional information or clarification before providing you with a quote for your new water supply connection.
You must pay the fees associated with your new water supply connection, such as connection charges and meter installation fees.
Once your application has been approved, you can schedule the installation of your new water supply pipe. We will install the new pipework up to and including the internal stop valve and leave an exposed tail of MDPE pipework at the boundary of the property, ready for connection. On completion, we’ll issue a Certificate of Works Completed stating that the works carried out comply with the requirements of the Water Regulations. This is then submitted to Thames Water Developer Services.
Once Thames Water has obtained agreement on any traffic management and the necessary permissions from the local authority, they will provide you with the connection date. Depending on the type of connection applied for, we will re-attend to coordinate with Thames Water’s appointed contractors and complete any final connections of the new supply to your internal plumbing.
London & Surrey Water Services Ltd is an experienced WaterSafe-approved plumber and was a member of the Thames Water Approved Plumber Scheme from 2005 to 2022.
We have been Water Industry approved plumbers and impact moling contractors for almost two decades, working exclusively on new connections, customer side leaks, and lead replacement
On completion of lead pipe renewals or a water supply pipe upgrade, we issue a certificate of works completed, which can be submitted to Thames Water to progress applications or satisfy enforcement notices.
Our certificates confirm that our workmanship satisfies the requirement of the water regulations. They also act as our guarantee of ten years for full supply pipe replacement and two years for supply pipe repairs.
We've built a solid reputation through our continually growing customer base as the most trusted team of Approved Plumbers and Moling Contractors in London.
We engaged with Alan to have our water main and internal piping replaced as they were made of lead. Alan came and gave us a comprehensive explanation of the work required and how to engage with Thames Water under their lead replacement scheme. He was the only person we could find that was up to handling both external moling and the internal works. Alan spent 2 days in our home completing the work, was polite and extremely unfazed by complications. He managed to reroute the piping under our tiled floor without having to break into it at all. The other reviews are very accurate and I couldn't recommend him highly enough!
After six months of wrangling with Thames Water, an insurance company, a motley collection of leak inspectors, pipe contractors and two plumbers, we still had a mains water pipe unrepaired and leaking under our drive. Alan came over, diagnosed a solution in minutes, and returned within a week to singlehandedly repair everything with care and without fuss. He really knows his stuff, and is wholly professional in his work. If only we had called him six months earlier. His company thoroughly deserves the five stars.
I had a leak and my water had shut down completely but the leak was not visible. The insurance company told me I needed to get someone in to do track and trace which I did and they totally scammed me. I had no water for 3 days and then I found Alan and he came round promptly, located the leak without all this track and trace equipment, took the floorboards up and fixed the leak, water back working — all in under an hour and at such a very reasonable cost. I cannot rate him enough and would highly recommend him.
Alan (aka London and Surrey Water Services Ltd) turned up and made two access points at the water meter and garage. Then with the precision of NASA he used a tunnelling mole and came up bang centre of his target. This was amazing to watch — a distance of over 20 feet with minimal disruption. My new water supply was in, effectively, efficiently and at very reasonable cost since he didn't have to dig up all my drive to find the leak at great expense. No hesitation in recommending Alan. Clive Cox CEng (retired) MEng.
Alan did a fantastic job for us investigating and resolving poor water flow issues to our flat. Other Thames Water approved plumbers were proposing major replumbing with quotes as high as £20k and even charged to quote. Alan proposed replacing the pipework from the road with wider gauge pipe as the first step and the problem was solved for barely a twentieth of that cost. He's clearly an expert at solving domestic plumbing problems and stood out from every other firm we spoke to. Can't recommend enough!
I contacted Alan following a letter from Thames Water advising of a water leak at my property. Having popped over to determine the likely cause, Alan sent through an itemised quote and patiently answered my additional questions. He and Pierce carried out the work in a thoroughly professional and minimally intrusive manner by moling a new pipe under my driveway and installing a new internal stop valve. London and Surrey Water Services combine subject matter expertise, assuredness, clarity, reliability, responsiveness and honesty. They made a stressful incident so much easier to deal with.
We contacted Alan to detect a leak because of which our water bills had been through the roof for several months. He was extremely professional, answered my questions patiently, detected the leak with no interruption to our day and above all, coordinated with Thames Water to repair the leak. He was very prompt in replying to any messages or questions I sent him and voluntarily sent me all the information I needed to claim a leak allowance from Thames Water. One of the best customer service experiences I have had in a long time!
After a disappointing experience with another plumber whose work failed to meet the water company standards, we contacted Alan and we're so glad we did! Alan came to the rescue, immediately identified the substandard installation, and redid the entire lead pipe replacement to a professional standard. He was highly efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely trustworthy. He explained everything clearly and carried out the work with great care and precision. The difference in quality was obvious. Thanks to Alan, everything passed inspection with no issues, and we finally have peace of mind. Highly recommended!
I first found Alan McBride of London and Surrey Water Services in 2016 after I had no water for weeks and Thames refused to do anything about it. He was unbelievable in his knowledge, his support, going over and above by advocating for me with Thames and getting the problem fixed. 7 years later I called on Alan again and it is inspiring to watch how thorough he is and how his mind works. He worked it out and the fix was simple. He really is quite a plumbing and water specialist genius!
A calm, pleasant and reassuring presence, Alan turned up early for his appointment and made replacing a leaking supply pipe under our Victorian house in West London seem like a simple task, causing the minimum of disruption. He is highly knowledgeable, efficient and professional, and even reduced his already-reasonable invoice because part of his quotation did not need to be done. Honest, conscientious and down-to-earth, Alan is a pleasure to deal with.
I found Alan's details on the Thames Water WaterSafe Approved Plumbers list and chose to contact him because of the amazing reviews he has received on Google. Alan was able to successfully install an internal water stopcock into a Victorian terrace house with very complex plumbing. Alan was very easy to deal with, very hard-working and explained exactly what he was doing. Alan's prices are also very reasonable. I will definitely contact Alan and London and Surrey Water Services for any future plumbing requirements I have. Very highly recommend.
Alan has done a fantastic job replacing our lead mains pipe following an internal water leak. He is helpful, professional and clear providing sensible advice including utilising his great experience and knowledge of working with Thames Water. He is quick to respond to any queries and he works diligently and neatly. To do the final connection once Thames Water were ready, Alan came back to complete the job with no fuss. Really strongly recommend Alan and really pleased we chose him.
Alan was superb from start to finish. From arriving to prepare a quote, doing the work, tidying up and making good and coming back to finish once Thames Water had completed their part of the lead pipe replacement. He helped with the various administration parts of the lead pipe replacement scheme by Thames Water which saved a lot of confusion, providing advice and explanation every step of the way. I would not hesitate to recommend Alan for any other similar work.
Called Alan to investigate a leak at the end of the driveway. He replaced the supply pipe into the house without disturbing the driveway which was a bonus. He was very professional, knowledgeable, personable and helped us submit for the lead pipe replacement scheme with the water company. Regularly checked in with us as the works between himself and water company were coordinated. Highly recommend Alan.
Our focus is on delivering cost-effective, safe, and reliable solutions for the replacement of lead water supply pipes.
Find answers to common questions about Thames Water new connections, supply pipe installation, connection charges, Water Regulations, and the application process.
No, but in most cases, using a WaterSafe-approved plumber makes the process significantly easier.
A WaterSafe-approved installer can usually self-certify the installation of a private supply pipe under the Water Supply Regulations 1999. This means the water company may not need to carry out a separate Water Regulations inspection before the new water connection is approved.
If your contractor is not WaterSafe-approved, the water company may require an inspection before the final connection can proceed, which can lead to delays and increased costs.
Using an experienced contractor familiar with Thames Water Developer Services and current charging arrangements can also help avoid application errors and compliance issues during the process.
In most cases, domestic properties use either a 25mm or 32mm water supply pipe, depending on the expected water demand and the required pipe length.
Larger homes, blocks of flats, commercial premises, or properties with high water demand may require larger pipe sizes or even a new water main if nearby capacity is insufficient.
Thames Water Developer Services uses the water fittings table submitted with the application to calculate the expected water demand and determine the correct pipe size for the new water connection.
Correct sizing is important because undersized pipework can lead to low pressure and restricted flow, particularly when multiple appliances are used simultaneously.
The point-of-entry drawing is provided by Thames Water Developer Services as part of the new water connection process.
It shows where Thames Water proposes to position the new connection at the property boundary. It will normally identify the proposed connection position, pipe size, and whether the new supply should be installed in MDPE or barrier pipe. It may also confirm whether any existing water connections are to be retained or disconnected.
This drawing is important because the private supply pipe installation should be planned to meet the Thames Water connection position at the boundary.
A water fittings table is a document used by the water company to calculate the expected water demand for a property.
It includes details of fittings and appliances such as:
toilets
taps
showers
baths
washing machines
dishwashers
Thames Water Developer Services uses this information to determine the required pipe size for the new water connection and whether the local network can support the proposed demand.
In most cases, the water fittings table must be submitted as part of the application process before a quotation can be issued.
It is advisable to apply for a new water connection as early as possible.
In most cases, the process can take several weeks or months, depending on:
traffic management requirements
local authority permissions
network capacity
excavation requirements
whether a new water main is needed
Early applications help reduce delays to construction projects, extensions, conversions, and property developments.
The water company may also need time to assess whether upgrades to the local network or new water mains are required before the connection can proceed.
Yes.
In most cases, extensions that significantly increase water demand — especially those adding bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms — may require a new water connection or an upgrade to the existing supply.
The water company will assess whether the current supply pipe and nearby water main can provide adequate pressure and flow for the proposed works.
If the existing supply is undersized or shared, a separate new water connection may be recommended.
If your property is connected to a shared supply pipe, you may apply for a separate new water connection.
Shared supplies are common in older London properties and in most cases were originally designed for much lower water demand than modern households require today.
This can lead to:
low water pressure
poor flow
disputes over leaks
difficulty isolating the water supply
problems supporting modern appliances
Installing a new dedicated supply pipe can improve reliability, pressure, and overall water flow to the property.
Yes.
In some cases, the water company may require the use of barrier pipe if there is a risk of ground contamination affecting the drinking water supply.
This commonly applies near:
petrol stations
industrial sites
railways
cemeteries
garage sites
contaminated land
Barrier pipe is specially designed to help prevent contamination from passing through the pipe wall into the drinking water supply.
The requirement for barrier pipework will normally be identified during the application and design stage of the new water connection process.
Once the private supply pipe has been installed, Thames Water will require confirmation that the work complies with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 before the final connection can proceed.
London & Surrey Water Services Ltd are approved contractors and can issue a Certificate of Works Completed confirming that the private supply pipe installation has been carried out correctly and complies with the Water Regulations.
This certification can help speed up the process because, in most cases, Thames Water can accept the certificate without needing to arrange a separate Water Regulations inspection.
Once the Certificate of Works Completed has been submitted and accepted, Thames Water can arrange the final connection from the water main to the new supply pipe.
If the installer is not WaterSafe approved, the water company may inspect the pipework before the new water connection is completed.
The inspection checks that the installation complies with:
Water Regulations
approved materials requirements
correct installation standards
Failure to meet the required standards may delay the final connection and lead to additional inspection charges.
If the installation does not comply with Water Regulations, Thames Water will advise on the corrective works required before the connection can proceed.
In most cases, the contractor will need to carry out remedial works and arrange a further inspection.
If the installation does not comply with Water Regulations, Thames Water will advise on the corrective works required before the connection can proceed.
In most cases, the contractor will need to carry out remedial works and arrange a further inspection.
Once the pipework has been approved and all fees have been paid, Thames Water will arrange the final connection date.
The timescale depends on several factors, including:
local authority permits
traffic management
excavation requirements
road closures
whether a new water main is involved
In most cases, straightforward new water connections are completed faster than projects involving major roadworks or network upgrades.
Most domestic properties with 25mm, 32mm, and 50mm supply pipes do not require chlorination.
However, larger diameter pipes of 63mm or above require chlorination and testing before connection to the water network.
Yes.
In many older properties, poor pressure and flow problems are caused by:
undersized supply pipes
shared water supplies
lead pipes
restricted internal plumbing
nstalling a new water connection with correctly sized MDPE pipework can significantly improve flow and pressure.
In most cases, this is especially beneficial in older London properties where the original supply pipe was not designed for modern water demand.
No, but it is important to understand the difference between replacing a lead supply pipe and applying for a larger or separate connection.
Under the Thames Water Lead Replacement Scheme, Thames Water may replace the lead communication pipe with 25mm MDPE free of charge once the customer has replaced the private-side lead supply pipe.
This is not the same as upgrading the communication pipe or separating from a shared supply. If you need a larger communication pipe, a supply upgrade, or a new separate connection, this will usually require an application through Thames Water Developer Services.
Many customers choose to deal with lead pipework at the same time as applying for a new water connection, upgrading an existing supply, or separating from a shared supply pipe.
Replacing lead supply pipework can improve:
water quality
flow rates
long-term reliability
compliance with modern plumbing standards
London & Surrey Water Services Ltd can advise whether your project is best handled through the Lead Replacement Scheme, a supply upgrade application, or a new connection application through Thames Water Developer Services.
In some cases, yes.
The water company may require:
revised pipe sizing
alternative connection points
upgraded infrastructure
a new water main
additional design work
This usually happens when the existing network lacks sufficient capacity or pressure to support the proposed development.
Thames Water Developer Services will normally explain the available options during the design and quotation stage.
A water main is the larger pipe in the street that supplies multiple properties.
A service connection is the smaller pipe that connects an individual property to the water main.
Yes, in some cases.
The water company may allow accredited self-lay providers to carry out parts of the construction work associated with new water mains and new water connections.
This is more common on larger developments, commercial sites, or multi-property projects where new water mains are required.
Once your application has been submitted, Thames Water Developer Services will advise whether self-lay options are available for your project.
Yes.
Temporary building water supplies can usually be arranged through Thames Water Developer Services during construction works.
Thames Water connection charges can vary depending on the type of new water connection being applied for and whether upgrades to the local network or new water mains are required.
In most cases, the charge covers:
connection to the water main
water meter installation
administration and application costs
excavation and reinstatement work carried out by the water company
traffic management and local authority permits, where required
Additional costs may apply for larger developments, complex excavations, long connection distances, or projects requiring a new water main.
Thames Water Developer Services will normally provide a formal quotation outlining exactly what the charge covers before the connection work proceeds.
You can view the latest Thames Water charging arrangements for new connection services here:
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We carry out new water connections and supply pipe installations across all London boroughs and the wider Surrey and South East region, working with homeowners, developers and Thames Water throughout the process.
South London – Bromley – Croydon – Merton – Kingston upon Thames – Sutton – Wandsworth – West London – Brent – Ealing – Hammersmith & Fulham – Harrow – Richmond upon Thames – Hillingdon – Hounslow – East London – Barking & Dagenham – Bexley – Greenwich – Hackney – Havering – Lewisham – Newham – Redbridge – Tower Hamlets – Waltham Forest – North London – Barnet – Enfield – Haringey – Central London – Camden – City of London – Kensington & Chelsea – Islington – Lambeth – Southwark – Westminster – Surrey – Elmbridge – Epsom – Guildford – Mole Valley – Reigate – Runnymede – Spelthorne – Surrey Heath – Tandridge – Waverley – Woking
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