Replacing my main water pipe

[Jaygray]

Hi All,

I'm looking to replace my galvanised steel mains water pipe while I have my flooring up.

Do I need to take the connection back to the mains water meter which is roughly 1 meter away outside the bay window or should I make the connection inside the house?

Is MDPE the best bet? What diamiter please? Can I use a larger diamiter and increase water pressure?

Does the water company have to make the connection at the mains or can my plumber do that?

Thanks for your help. Pictures attached.

 

[muggles]

Replace the whole length if you can, from the meter to the stopcock in the house. 25mm suits most applications, some people go to 32mm but it really depends on the size of your house and what the mains in the road can sensibly supply. Changing diameter won't change water pressure, that's set by your local water supplier, but it may increase flow rate. The work needs to be compliant with current Water Regulations and can either be carried out by a Water Safe Approved Contractor https://www.watersafe.org.uk/approved_contractors/ who can self-certify the work, or alternatively inspected by your supplier once completed and before it's covered up (they will charge a fee for this).

 

[Jaygray]

Thanks Muggles, when you say meter to stopcock, you are referring to digging up the drive and changing it from outside right?

I suppose that makes sense while access is easy..

Would It shock you if I said I don't have an internal stopcock? 1929 house build.

Last, sort of a bonus question, do you have any tips on whatelse I should do to my sub floor while I have access? Such as sealing the concrete etc.

 

[muggles]

Probably best to put an internal stopcock in while you're at it then. Can't really comment on the individual needs of your property as I've not seen it

 

[Exedon]

Last, sort of a bonus question, do you have any tips on whatelse I should do to my sub floor while I have access? Such as sealing the concrete etetc.

If you intended digging in properly maybe have a look at insuduct much easier method.

 

[Jaygray]

Interesting. I've never seen that before.. Is it a company that does it or a diy job?

 

[Exedon]

Look online several companies sell them very easy to install and fully compliant

 

[ree]

OP,
Insuduct is a great device but given the closeness of the meter & the already dug out interior exposure then it might be quicker & cheaper to roughly follow what this guy does on you tube - he's called "Ultimate Handyman" & he's doing a "Lead pipe replacement".

 

[opps]

Not my area of expertise... I have worked in properties where the owner wanted greater water flow. From memory the builders had to run the MDPE to the edge of the property and then send a photo of the non-return valve inside the property before they (Affinity water) were willing to turn up.

Not cheap though. I got the impression that it cost a few grand for the new connection to the water mains.