Service
Water supply pipes and lead pipe replacement in the Cotswolds
Short answer
You own the supply pipe from your property boundary into your home. If your home was built before 1970, it may have lead pipes. Thames Water and Severn Trent will replace their own lead pipe when you replace yours, if you meet their conditions. This page explains the rules and lists local firms.
Firms found on a trade register first, then A to Z.
| Firm | Based in | Does | Checks | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal LtdLtd company 06572645 | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester |
Central heating, Commercial, General plumbing, Leaks and repairs, +14 | 01285 869584Website | |
| LRF Heating & Building LtdLtd company 11734120 | Kings Stanley GL10 Covers Cirencester, Stroud |
Central heating, General plumbing, Leaks and repairs, Water supply pipes, +10 | 07455 254907Website | |
| Plumbtec (South West) LtdLtd company 03842101 | Nailsworth GL6 Covers Stroud, Nailsworth |
General plumbing, Bathrooms, Hot water cylinders, Water supply pipes, +7 | 0117 244 3280Website |
No firms match. Clear a filter to see more.
Who owns the supply pipe
You own the supply pipe from the outside stop valve, at your boundary, to the inside stop tap. You also own all the plumbing inside the house.
The water company owns the communication pipe, from the main to the outside stop valve. The DWI says the company must replace its communication pipe if it is lead and at risk of adding lead to the water.
Water company lead schemes
Thames Water replaces its lead communication pipe when you replace your lead supply pipe. Your home must be built before 1970. You must plan to replace your pipe within 3 months. Thames Water aims to do its part within three months.
Thames Water replaces small pipes of 12 to 15mm with 25mm pipes. Your plumber should use the same size.
Severn Trent runs a lead replacement scheme for homes on its network. It connects your new pipe free if you meet its criteria. If you share a supply, you must use a WaterSafe plumber.
You pay for the work on your side in both schemes. Check the scheme page before you book a plumber, because the terms can change.
The rules for new supply pipes
A new pipe laid outside a building at less than 750mm or more than 1350mm deep needs notice to the water company first. The rule protects pipes from frost and keeps them easy to reach.
Use a plumber who can give you a water regulations certificate. Some water company schemes need one before they connect the new pipe.
Local factors in the Cotswolds
Many Cotswold homes were built before 1970, and some still have a lead pipe under the garden or the floor. In Bourton-on-the-Water, Thames Water found lead pipes on some streets after sampling in 2024.
Long rural supply pipes cost more to replace. A plumber may use a mole to pull a new pipe under a lawn or drive, so you do not need a long trench.
What to ask a firm
Ask each firm the same questions, so you can compare quotes fairly.
- Are you on the WaterSafe register, so you can give me a certificate?
- Will you lay the new pipe at the right depth, and use 25mm pipe?
- Will you deal with the water company scheme for me?
- Will you remove the lead pipe inside the house as well?
- Does the price include making good the garden or drive?
Questions
How do I know if I have a lead pipe?
Look at the pipe by your inside stop tap. The DWI says unpainted lead is dull grey, and shows shiny metal if you scrape it gently with a coin.
Will the water company pay for my side?
Usually not. The Thames Water and Severn Trent schemes replace or connect their own pipe. You pay for your side.
Can the water company test my water for lead?
Yes. The DWI says you can ask your water company to test the water at your kitchen tap.
Sources
- Drinking Water Inspectorate: lead in drinking water
- Thames Water: lead pipe replacement
- Severn Trent: lead replacement scheme
- Thames Water: increased lead levels in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Thames Water: pipe responsibility
- legislation.gov.uk: Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, regulation 5 (notice and consent)