Lead Free Bristol – limited time lead pipe replacement scheme

For a limited period, we are offering to visit and check whether you have a lead supply pipe, and if we find it is made of lead, replace it at no cost to you.

What is #LeadFreeBristol?

There are a large number of properties in our water supply area, built before the 1970s, that have a lead pipe supply from the water main and into the home.

For a limited period, we are offering to visit and check whether you have a lead supply pipe, and if we find it is made of lead, replace it at no cost to you. Full *T&Cs are below.

Why is it important to get lead pipes replaced?

Lead is considered a health concern, and it is important to minimise exposure to any sources of lead, including in tap water. Drinking tap water that contains small amounts of lead can allow lead to build up in the body and become harmful to health, particularly for pregnant women and young children.

The benefits of the scheme:

  • Improved water quality
  • Save on costs as we’ll do the work for you. Replacing pipes, on your property, can cost upwards of £1,000
  • Upgrading your pipes can reduce leaks, saving on water wasted and money if you have a water meter.

Which pipes are you offering to replace?

The pipe connecting your home to the water main is made up of two parts, the section between the water main and the stop tap in the pavement is normally owned by the water company (us), and the section between the stop tap in the pavement to inside the home is owned by the customer (you). 

External_Pipework_Diagram_Lead_Pipe_crop

Diagram: 1. External pipework. 2. Internal stop tap. 3. External stop tap.

Who can take up this offer?

We are currently working in the BS16 postcode area, as we’ve identified high numbers of lead pipes. If you live in one of the areas included in the scheme, you will receive a flyer when we begin work in your area.

If we’re not currently working in your area, we won’t be able to progress your application at this time. We encourage you to register your interest, as this will be noted and we’ll be able to contact you if the scheme moves to your area.

How do I register my interest?

Simply fill out the form below. By registering your interest, you are under no obligation to have the work done. You can make the decision after your home survey, when you understand more about what needs to be done.

If you have any more queries about #LeadFreeBristol email us.

Register your interest

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More about #LeadFreeBristol

We will keep you informed of what’s happening, and when throughout the process. But here’s more information about what to expect.

What's the full process of having my pipes replaced?
  • Register your interest online.
  • Pre-survey. Someone will be in touch within a month to arrange for a lead pipe survey at your property. 
  • The survey. A survey will be carried out to:
    • Inspect where your supply pipe and stop tap are located.
    • Check if you share your supply pipes with your neighbours.
    • Confirm your pipework is made from lead.
    • If confirmed you do have lead pipes, we will explain how we will install the new supply pipes and book in a date for the installation with the office.
    • A contract / Electrical pre-assessment side letter will need to be signed and handed back to the surveyor.
  • Pre-installation.
    • You will need to provide, either:
    • A valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
    • Domestic Visual Condition Report (DVCR)
    • or an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).

This will need to be provided by an approved NICEIC registered installer prior to the replacement date and must be dated within the last 10 years.

  • The installation. We will install road traffic signs and barriers to make the area safe for work.

  • Connecting your new supply pipe. Once installation is completed, we will reconnect your water supply and test everything to ensure functionality.
  • Finishing up. If we have had to dig up any part of your driveway or part of your property, we will discuss reinstatement to as it was prior to works starting.
*Terms & conditions
*Terms & conditions

1.    The decision to proceed, or not, with the replacement scheme (internal or external or both) could be for:

a.    Withdrawal from the scheme: You (the customer) not wanting to go ahead for whatever reason. This can be at any stage of project but before work commences.

b.    Infrastructure challenges including, but not exclusive to:

i.    The internal pipe replacement may be deemed too disruptive to internal building or fittings.
ii.    The external pipe replacement may be deemed high risk to retaining walls (the structure designed to hold in place a mass of earth, such as the edge of a terrace).
iii.    The external pipe replacement may be deemed too high risk to established or protected trees.
iv.    The external pipe replacement where a driveway is imprinted concrete or is newly laid whereby the work will have a high impact on the finished surface.
v.    If your property is on a joint or shared supply unfortunately you will not be eligible under the LFB scheme.

  • Register your interest online.
  • Pre-survey. Someone will be in touch within a month to arrange for a lead pipe survey at your property. 
  • The survey. A survey will be carried out to:
    • Inspect where your supply pipe and stop tap are located.
    • Check if you share your supply pipes with your neighbours.
    • Confirm your pipework is made from lead.
    • If confirmed you do have lead pipes, we will explain how we will install the new supply pipes and book in a date for the installation with the office.
    • A contract / Electrical pre-assessment side letter will need to be signed and handed back to the surveyor.
  • Pre-installation.
    • You will need to provide, either:
    • A valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
    • Domestic Visual Condition Report (DVCR)
    • or an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).

This will need to be provided by an approved NICEIC registered installer prior to the replacement date and must be dated within the last 10 years.

  • The installation. We will install road traffic signs and barriers to make the area safe for work.

  • Connecting your new supply pipe. Once installation is completed, we will reconnect your water supply and test everything to ensure functionality.
  • Finishing up. If we have had to dig up any part of your driveway or part of your property, we will discuss reinstatement to as it was prior to works starting.
*Terms & conditions

1.    The decision to proceed, or not, with the replacement scheme (internal or external or both) could be for:

a.    Withdrawal from the scheme: You (the customer) not wanting to go ahead for whatever reason. This can be at any stage of project but before work commences.

b.    Infrastructure challenges including, but not exclusive to:

i.    The internal pipe replacement may be deemed too disruptive to internal building or fittings.
ii.    The external pipe replacement may be deemed high risk to retaining walls (the structure designed to hold in place a mass of earth, such as the edge of a terrace).
iii.    The external pipe replacement may be deemed too high risk to established or protected trees.
iv.    The external pipe replacement where a driveway is imprinted concrete or is newly laid whereby the work will have a high impact on the finished surface.
v.    If your property is on a joint or shared supply unfortunately you will not be eligible under the LFB scheme.