Laying new water supply pipework

[padstar]

Our property is currently fed with lead pipework from the road in. We will be digging the footings for our front extension shortly and plan on getting a trench from the garage to the path done at the same time to lay a new water supply pipe.

Is there any set rule as to what size to lay. I am thinking that 32mm vs 25mm cost is pennies for the 10 meters i have to lay and in this case why not install the larger even if it is then reduced at the stop cock. Is this the right move and can any size be connected to the meter in the footpath?

2nd Q is if the meter connecting is right next to my boundary is it a simple compression fitting that i can expose and swap over or do Thames Water need to do this and if so do they charge for the privileged?

 

[Madrab]

Water supplier usually would want to do the final connection to their supply unless you have an accredited installer perform the work. If not then you will also need to leave the trench open for them to inspect.

Pipe needs to be from 750mm down to 1350mm, avoiding other utilities.

Size of pipe isn't too much of an issue between 32/25mm, the larger you go the easier you can maximise the mains flow. A question to Thames about the size of the meter connections etc will probably answer that one for you. .

 

[padstar]

Thanks. Do they normally accept photos of the trench with one end left exposed? The trench will run down the middle of my drive which i would want to back fill asap and probably before they can get out to do the connection

 

[padstar]

I just spoke to Thames Water and they said that if i can get to the stop cock in the footpath without digging the footpath up they are happy for me to make the connection. As teh stop cock is right on my boundary i will be able to access it with only slightly undermining the footpath. Is it a normal compression fitting or will a specialist be required.

If done this way i wont have to wait for them to come and inspect the trench which is a massive win.

 

[Ian H]

The pipework on the stoptap could be different to the lead on the rest of the supply. I would dig at the boundary to see them order your fitting.

 

[hard-work]

Put in the 32mm pipe. The larger the better; as you mentioned buttons extra in cost.

 

[JohnD]

they will want to inspect the trench before you fill it in, to verify that it is deep enough and that your pipe is not lying on sharp edges.

It does not have to follow the same route as the old one.

 

[padstar]

Just traced the existing incoming and it seems to be a lead equivalent of 15mm copper pipe. Were supply pipes normally this small back in the day.

I assume tey will have a reduced fitting from the meter to the lead to size down. Cant imagine the meter exit would be that small.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Yes that was normal supply size.
Do the 32, won't hurt in the slightest. Get an assortment of fittings from TS/whoever, do the dig, use what you need & return what you didn't need. Lucky you if Thames will let you connect, take pics of the trench & landmark it somehow (so you know where it is)

 

[Nige F]

landmark it somehow (so you know where it is)

As I did with a gasvalve under my block paving - just measure from 2 points i.e wall corner and write the details on the inside of garage wall One day the gas network will want it up - to put a smaller plastic one down the inside. I've seen some of their hole digging

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

One day the gas network will want it up - to put a smaller plastic one down the inside. I've seen some of their hole digging

Might be the least of your worries, I've known them dig, connect up and backfill, only for Murphy's to fetch it all back out the following day looking for a leak. Turns out the general idea is, when you insert a service pipe into the ferrule, you also fuse it to make the joint....

 

[Nige F]

Hmm ...I might go for a new meter box outside , it would work better for the house layout - forewarned is forearmed

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Just make sure they put the box on the right hose. That was the initial problem we had, they came out and fitted the box on 45 not 43. Then came to fit a box on 43, but couldn't take the box off 45 as he didn't have a job for that.... Then connected the supply from main to ECV, (no meter at that point) and the householder was having to argue she'd got a gas leak as they were saying (correctly) she hadn't got gas in the house. Fact it was leaking outside and seeping into the property didn't occur to them...

 

[padstar]

Should I bother running it in 110mm soil pipe? The run is about 10m so approx 30 quid for my troubles in materials. Does it make for a better job rather than just laying in a trench and backfilling

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Depends what you've got in mind for the ground above. If just garden i wouldn't bother. If you do decide to duct it you'll need to watch the bend radius & seal it against rodents. Another detriment- if the pipe (or the water boards stoptap) does fail the duct could bring water into your house (depends on gradient of course)