Low water flow.

[rcs]

Hi
We've got quite a low water flow and I've been told it's because of the old steel pipework underground (judging by the state of the steel in the house, I'm not suprised). The pressure is fine and flow OK for a second or so.
Does anyone know how much it would be to get a new connection at the water co's Stop Cock in the street if I re-layed Poly-Pipe under the drive? What's the best way to go about it?

Thanks in advance.
rcs.

 

[Agile]

Since you have not bothered to tell us which water supply area you are in then any suggestion is going to be pretty general.

I gather its usually about £400-£900.

If you are not water regulations qualified then you have to let their inspector see the new pipe before you cover it up and it has to comply with the strict regulations on depth and entry into the property and insulation if below floors.

Tony

 

[BoxBasher]

Best way would be to ring your water co and see if they do any scemes for the replacement of non-preferred materials.

Then ask them what the procedure is fro replacement.

As Tony said, should be inspected for Regs compliance.

 

[rcs]

Oops, yes sorry, we're in Worcestershire. Who might be able to inspect the trenching/laying? Are plumbers/contractors often inspectors or are there specific ones from the authority?
Also, at the moment, I am unable to turn off the stopcock in the street. What would the water board do if it was seized?
Cheers
rcs

 

[tryitandsee]

I have found that calling in the water board/authority to be not so dauting an experience as you think it is going to be. They replace these pipes all the time and know what they are doing. They can usually 'mole' the pipe underground with out to much disturbance on top. They then break all the rules them selves in laying it and make it look quite simple.

If on the other hand you do it yourself, the inspector insists you do it by the book.

The price is normally ok.

If you price up your time and effort, either digging with spade or hiring mini digger, finding and getting the right pipe, laid shingle and sand over pipe, called in inspector to pass it, backfilled, repaired neighbours foul drain pipe when you accidently chop into that, hire a massive long drill bit to get pipe into house 700mm below ground level, trying to fit new pipe onto old stop cock............ the list goes on.

I don't often say this - but with service water pipes - pay them and be done, it's not worth all the effort.

 

[BoxBasher]

They then break all the rules them selves

Not if I have anything to do with it.


The Water Co I work for doesn't do pipe replacements. They have a list of "approved contractors" but these tend to be the most expensive (premium for prestige).

There are also self-certified private contractors (who from my personal experience tend to cut way too many corners because they can get away with it) who are also quite expensive.

Then you have non-certified contractors, who you get quotes from and go for the best price. Because the work needs inspecting by the Water Co it will usually be to a higher standard than self cert (because if its not right it doesn't get passed). The work will comply to the water regs and you've paid less than you would for approved or self-cert job (but you have the same end product).

Most Water Co's will carry out free inspections, they may even do the connection work in the highway free of charge (they have a duty to replace their lead pipes, but may charge you for connecting their new one to your new one - crazy)

 

[BoxBasher]

hire a massive long drill bit to get pipe into house 700mm below ground level,

Or you could use one of these : Insuduct.

The pipe still needs to be 750mm deep, but goes through the wall above ground as opposed to below. Its far easier than using a drill in restricted space and tends to be only two leaves of brick wall instead of heavy concrete footings.

Pipe still requires a duct and insulation through the wall as well. Only 200mm of the duct can be above ground, the rest is buried.

 

[rcs]

The price is normally ok.

I know what you mean, the expense is all relative. Who did you get this work done through? Was it through New Connections for you local water company? I spoke with them and I'd have to send in a request and they'd give me a price. I'd be expecting about £500. Sound familiar?
rcs

 

[BoxBasher]

rcs

It is not a new connection you are after but a replacement one. If your supply is lead then the water company may have a scheme to assist you (not financially, but by giving guidance) and then relaying their pipe between the main and your boundary.

Some companies will charge for connecting to your new pipe, others will do it as part of the scheme. I believe you are in Severn Trent's area? They are one of the companies that do provide a free connection providing you lay the pipe to where they specify (usually the most nearest, suitable main - not a problem in a like-for-like repalcement, only applies if rplacing a shared pipe) call them on 0800 783 444 information on lead pipes from ST Water is available here

If the pipe you are replacing isn't lead (maybe galvanised iron/steel) then lie and tell them its lead.

 

[rcs]

Thanks Boxbasher
Spoke to them on the number you recommended (Saturday) but they automatically put you through to "new connections" for such matters. Will try again on Monday.

I guess even though you'd be replacing the 'lead' in the drive(as a self lay), you'd still be subject to the inspection process.

rcs

 

[BoxBasher]

Not sure how ST do things. Their New Connections department may do the replacement connections as well. My Co has seperate departments.

You will be subject to an inspection process, but best to speak to them about things.

Regs will be the same anywhere in the country.

750mm deep, duct and insulation through the wall/footings/anything solid. BS1010 screwdown stoptap and drain-off. Duct sealed at both ends to prevent water/animal ingress.

 

[rcs]

Thanks BoxBasher.
Will look into it further next week. Do you happen to know what the S.T. connection fee is?
Cheers

 

[BoxBasher]

For lead replacement I believe its free. Have a look at the .pdf link I posted previously, there's a little bit in there about it - second page, second paragraph says "ST will normally provide a free connection"

 

[rcs]

So referring to your previous post, as we have steel in the drive, I'm guessing that the guys that do the connection will notice if it's lead or steel or would they notice before it gets that far?

 

[BoxBasher]

Galvanised steel is not whats known as a "preferred material".

How do you know its steel? You thought it was lead. I can't see anyone arguing. Whatever you do, don't ask them if its ok to do it even though it's not lead. The free connections are to get rid of lead pipes due to the health risks associated.