Groundbreaker: leading the way on LEAD

Awareness of the potential health problems caused by lead in the water supply, particularly in infants and children is growing.  Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes and if still in place can be causing developmental harm to young tenants.

Although the use of lead in plumbing has been banned in the UK for more than 50 years, there are still many properties where a risk of lead contamination of water is a risk.  In some areas of the UK up to a third of these older properties are still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.[1]

In properties with lead supply pipes, the only totally secure method to reduce lead levels in the water supply is to replace the original supply with modern plastic pipe.  These new materials can also provide the additional benefits of improving flow rates and reducing pipe noise.

Traditionally, any lead replacement program requires major excavations outside a property and causes huge disruption within.  Resulting in mess and disturbance to householders over several days, and a high unit cost.

Replace lead water supply pipes in under 2 hours…no major excavations, minimal disruption with INSUduct®

INSUduct® is an innovative solution.  Minimising disturbance, time and cost.  

Unlike traditional methods, INSUduct® allows the new water service to be routed up the external face of the building and connected to the internal plumbing above ground level, whether this is the ground floor or upper storey.  In multi-occupancy properties INSUduct® allows multiple supply pipes to be installed, as it is designed to provide frost protection for up to three 32mm OD water pipes installed to the exterior of the building.
As the INSUduct® requires one simple core drilled hole through the wall, at an appropriate point to connect with the internal plumbing, this enables most lead replacement operations to be completed within a couple of hours.  This innovative method of working allows water supply replacements to be completed without undue disruption to your tenants and a significantly lower cost to landlords.  

There is little impact on the exterior appearance of the property, as the INSUduct® system provides a neat, clean finish to the job whilst providing long lasting and effective thermal protection to water pipes and fittings outside the thermal envelope of a building.

INSUduct® is a high-quality product that exceeds regulated standards.

INSUduct® exceeds British Standard 5422 and all relevant Water Regulations for frost protection.  It is recognised as approved methods of installing new water supply pipes across the UK as part of lead supply pipe replacement programmes.

Lead Water Supply replacement has become a priority for water companies across the UK. In Wales the replacement of lead water pipe is FREE, in other parts of the UK water companies offer significant discounts and grant aid may be available from local authorities.[2]

For more information please see our website or search “Watersafe/lead in water” or your local water company.
[1] https://www.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/your-water-supply/lead-pipes/
[2 ]Grant aid may be available to assist lead pipe replacement programmes, contact local council offices for further information.