If you think pipes may need repairing or replacing on your property, the Waterlink team can help find the right solution for you.
You may have identified a leak, you might have low water flow or pressure, or you may be renovating, and it's time to replace old lead pipes. If you are replacing pipes on your property, you will also need to let your water supplier know, as they may need to replace or modify their part of the pipe too.
Signs of damage
If your property is more than 50 years old, check your exposed pipework annually for signs of trouble. These checks should include looking for leaks, discolouration/stains, bumps, pitting, flaking and unusual bends.
If you are unsure as to whether it is a leak or condensation, dry the pipe area and place a dry tea towel or piece of kitchen roll underneath it. Leave it for 2 hours ; if it remains dry it is most likely condensation.
Low flow
The flow of water into your property depends on the condition of your private supply pipe. If your supply pipe is in poor condition, the amount of water the pipe carries could be restricted and therefore reduce the flow of water to your taps. This can be caused by:
- the diameter of the pipe
- corrosion in the pipes and/or on appliances, iron pipes in particular, can suffer extensive corrosion and therefore reduce the internal diameter of the pipework
- the demand for water in your home at a certain time
- the length of the supply pipe
- if you have a leak on your supply pipe
- the pressure in the water main
- the number and type of fittings along the pipe, e.g. ferrules, stop taps, meter, bends etc.
- any inconsistencies in the pipe, e.g. a stop tap that is partly shut, grit obstructing a ferrule, a meter, damage, internal corrosion.
Replacing the pipework could improve the poor flow. To discuss your current flow problems and get a free quote for replacement, please call us on 0333 000 0058(opens in a new tab) (option 1) or email us at waterlink@southeastwater.co.uk(opens in a new tab) .
Lead pipes
If your house was built before 1970 and has not been modernised, it is likely that your pipework may be made of lead.
If you have lead pipes, it is suggested that you run the cold tap for a few moments before filling your glass so that any settled water in the pipes is flushed through. If the water has been standing for a long time in lead pipes, i.e. overnight or during a holiday, then the concentration of lead will be higher in the standing water. Flushing it through before use will decrease the concentration.
Do not drink water from your hot tap as the concentration of lead is likely to be higher in the hot top than in the cold, as hot water dissolves lead more than cold water does.
Regular water checks are carried out by all water companies to check that your water supply is within the Government's Regulations. As set out in The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, the maximum concentration of lead per litre is 10 micrograms.
If you are concerned that your concentration is above this, or just wish to modernise your property, you may want to consider replacing your pipes.
Renovating your property?
A good opportunity for pipe replacement!
If you are renovating an area of your home, this is a good time to inspect the newly exposed plumbing for any worrisome signs.
If any of the pipework needs replacing – doing so whilst it is exposed for other work will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to re-expose the pipework for the repairs to take place.
This is especially important if you are having your driveway done - replacing your pipes at the same time will save a lot of distress, as your driveway will need to be disrupted to access your pipework if done at a later date.
Waterlink can replace whole sections of pipe networks if required, and can provide you with a Free Fixed Price Quotation for the renewal. To get a Free Quote for your renewal, please call us on 0333 000 0058(opens in a new tab) (option 1) or email waterlink@southeastwater.co.uk(opens in a new tab).