Water pipe replacement St Albans
Water Pipe Replacement St AlbansMoling and lead pipe replacement
Plumbers on Tap replaces water supply pipes in St Albans, including lead pipe replacement and moling, which lays a new pipe underground without digging a trench the whole way. Work is charged at £60 an hour from 8am to 5pm.
When to replace a water supply pipe
- You have old lead pipework (common in older houses)
- Low water pressure that comes from the supply, not the taps
- A leak on the underground supply pipe
- You are moving the supply or the stopcock as part of building work
What is moling?
Moling is a way of laying a new water pipe underground without digging a trench the whole way. A small pit is dug at each end, and a pneumatic tool (the mole) pushes a tunnel through the ground between them. The new pipe is pulled through behind it.
It means far less damage to lawns, paths and driveways than an open trench, and the job is usually quicker to tidy up afterwards.
Lead pipe replacement
Many older homes still have a lead supply pipe. Replacing it with modern plastic pipe removes the lead from your drinking water supply and often improves pressure at the same time. Your water supplier looks after the pipe up to your boundary, and the section on your side is usually the homeowner's; it is worth asking your supplier whether they will replace their part at the same time.
Talk through your pipe
Tell Shaun what the supply runs under (lawn, path, drive) and he will explain the options.
How to tell if you have lead pipes
Find where the water supply comes in, usually at the stopcock under the kitchen sink. Lead pipe is dull grey, soft, and shows a shiny silver colour if you gently scratch it. It doesn't ring when tapped the way copper does. If you think you have lead, Shaun can check.
Suspect a leak on the supply pipe? Read about leak detection
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is moling for a water pipe?
Moling lays a new water supply pipe underground using a pneumatic tool that tunnels between two small pits, so there is no need to dig a trench along the whole route.
Should I replace my lead water pipe?
Replacing a lead supply pipe removes lead from your drinking water supply and often improves water pressure. Lead pipes are common in older houses.
Who is responsible for the water supply pipe?
Your water supplier is usually responsible for the pipe up to your property boundary. The supply pipe from the boundary into your home is usually the homeowner's.