Price guide

How much does it cost to replace a lead water pipe?

Short answer

A national cost survey puts a 5 metre lead pipe replacement at £400 to £1,000, and a full 20 metre run at £2,000 to £4,000. You pay for your side. Thames Water and Severn Trent replace or connect their own pipe free if you meet their conditions. Get at least three written quotes.

Updated 15 October 2026 · 2 min read · 7 sources

National prices

We found no Cotswold firm that publishes a lead pipe price on its own website. The figures below are national, not Cotswold quotes. Use them only to see if a quote is in a normal range.

The length of the pipe matters most. A long rural drive or a pipe under a patio costs more.

National prices to replace a water supply pipe
Source	Job	National price
MyJobQuote cost survey	5m lead pipe, stop tap to house, private plumber	£400 to £800
MyJobQuote cost survey	5m lead pipe, stop tap to house, approved contractor	£500 to £1,000
MyJobQuote cost survey	Full 20m lead pipe replacement	£2,000 to £4,000
English Water (national contractor)	Private section of water supply pipe, typical range	£1,500 to £12,000

National figures from the MyJobQuote water supply pipe guide (updated 7 September 2026) and English Water’s moling price page (updated 20 July 2026), checked on 15 October 2026. Neither page states VAT. They are not local prices. Sources: MyJobQuote: water supply pipe replacement cost (updated 7 September 2026), English Water: impact moling prices 2026 (updated 20 July 2026).

What the water companies do

The water company owns the communication pipe, from the main to the outside stop valve. You own the supply pipe from there to the house.

Thames Water replaces its lead pipe when you replace yours. The home must be built before 1970, and you must plan your work within 3 months. Thames Water does not pay for your side.

Severn Trent connects your new pipe free if you meet its criteria. Its exclusions include a pipe over 25mm, a pipe in a new position, a business customer, or no contact with Severn Trent first.

Wessex Water says it replaces its pipe if your water sample has high lead levels. It may also be able to replace your outside lead pipe, after an inspector checks the property.

Check the scheme page for your water company before you book a plumber. Your bill names your water company.

What makes the job cost more

A long supply pipe costs more. Many rural Cotswold homes have long pipes under gardens and drives.

Digging through stone, tarmac or a patio costs more than a lawn. A plumber may use a mole to pull a new pipe under the ground, which avoids a long trench.

Lead pipes inside the house also need to go. Ask if the quote includes them.

How to compare quotes

Prices vary; get at least three written quotes. Ask each firm the same questions.

Ask if the firm is on the WaterSafe register, and will give you a certificate.
Ask if the new pipe will be 25mm and laid at the right depth.
Ask if the price includes making good the drive, path or garden.
Ask if the firm will deal with the water company scheme.
Ask if the price includes VAT.

Questions

Is there a grant to replace my lead pipe?

Not usually for your side. Thames Water and Severn Trent replace or connect their own pipe. Wessex Water may replace outside lead pipes after an inspection. Check your water company’s page.

Do I need a WaterSafe plumber?

For a shared supply, Severn Trent needs a WaterSafe plumber. Thames Water accepts an approved contractor’s certificate, or an inspection of an open trench.

How do I know if I have lead pipes?

The DWI says homes built before 1970 may have them. Unpainted lead is dull grey, and shows shiny metal when scraped with a coin.