Lead Water Pipes @ Home

Sunil Radia • 28 December 2022

Do you have a lead water supply at home?

Is your home water supply made of lead?


Some properties in the UK still have lead water supply pipes. Lead pipes were once commonly used for the distribution of drinking water, but their use has declined significantly in recent years due to concerns about the potential health effects of lead exposure.


In the UK, the use of lead pipes for domestic water supplies was phased out in the 1970s, but it is still the case that some older properties still have lead pipes in place. In general, lead pipes are more likely to be found in properties that were built before the 1970s, although it is not uncommon for them to be found in properties built up until the 1990s.


If you are concerned about the possibility of lead pipes in your property, you can contact your local water supplier or a qualified plumber to have your pipes tested. In most cases, lead pipes can be replaced with more modern materials, such as copper or plastic, to ensure the safety and reliability of your water supply.

 

Do I have lead pipes?

 

Inside your home: Check the pipe leading to the internal stop valve. This is often under the kitchen sink, behind the kitchen cupboards or sometimes in the cupboard under the stairs.

Outside your home: Open the flap of your outside stop valve and look at the pipe running towards your property.


  • Check the colour: Unpainted lead pipes are a dull grey colour


  • Look at the joints: Lead joints are rounded and swollen where two pipes meet


  • Scratch the pipe gently: Scratches on lead pipes will reveal a shiny metal that's silver in colour


  • Tap the lead pipe with a metal object: Lead makes a dull thud rather than the clear ringing produced by a copper or iron pipe

 

How is a lead water supply pipe actually replaced?


There are several methods that can be used to replace a lead water supply pipe, depending on the location and condition of the pipe, as well as the availability of other utilities and structures in the area. Some common methods for replacing lead pipes include:


·       Pipe bursting: This method involves inserting a tool called a bursting head into the existing lead pipe and using hydraulic pressure to break up the pipe from the inside. As the lead pipe is broken up, a new pipe is simultaneously pulled through the space created by the bursting head, effectively replacing the old pipe without the need for excavation.

 

·       Pipe relining: This method involves inserting a liner into the existing lead pipe and inflating it to create a new pipe inside the old one. The liner is typically made of a flexible, corrosion-resistant material, such as polyethylene or fiberglass, and can be used to repair or replace damaged or leaking pipes without the need for excavation.

 

·       Open cut excavation: This method involves physically digging up the old lead pipe and replacing it with a new pipe. This is typically the most labor-intensive and disruptive method, but may be necessary in certain situations, such as when the old pipe is severely damaged or when other utilities or structures are in the way.

It is important to note that replacing a lead water supply pipe is typically a complex and specialized task that should only be performed by a qualified plumber or water utilities technician. If you are considering replacing a lead pipe in your property, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional to ensure that the work is done safely and effectively.


Whilst replacing the pipe you may also be able to ensure that your new supply has a better water flow rate improving the user experience in showers and baths.

Coaching Spotlight: Can You Project Manage Your Own Build?

by Niket Kapur • 14 September 2025
The Temptation Many homeowners are tempted to manage their own building project. The logic seems simple: cut out the cost of a project manager and save money. You already have a builder lined up, maybe one recommended by friends or family, and you feel confident that everything will go smoothly. But while it can work, managing your own build is a serious undertaking. Without preparation, it often leads to stress, delays, and costs spiralling out of control. What Project Management Really Involves Managing a build is not just about choosing finishes or chasing invoices. It requires: Coordinating multiple trades and suppliers. Handling schedules, deliveries, and staged payments. Ensuring compliance with building regulations. Managing risks, safety, and insurances. Keeping accurate specifications, contracts, and records. Even with a good builder, these tasks can overwhelm a homeowner. The Pitfalls to Watch For (Even with a “Good Builder”) Many people believe that because their builder is: “Tried and tested,” or Recommended by friends and family, … everything will go smoothly. Unfortunately, things can still go wrong. Hard to judge quality: Finished projects can look impressive, but hidden corners may have been cut. It is difficult for a homeowner to spot these issues. Knowledge untested: We rigorously test builders’ knowledge. Many homeowners do not - and miss key warning signs. Due diligence matters: We check business history, insurances, and financial standing. This step is often skipped, leaving clients exposed. Technical gaps: Homeowners often lack expertise in dealing with party wall agreements, public liability, and specialist insurances - all of which are critical to staying compliant and protected. The Benefits of Doing It Yourself To be fair, there are reasons why some homeowners still choose to self-manage: Potential savings on professional fees. Personal satisfaction from being hands-on. Full control over decision-making. Direct relationships with trades. For some, this works well - but only when they have time, knowledge, and systems in place. Case Study: From Chaos to Control A homeowner in Harrow decided to manage their own large extension. They trusted a builder recommended by family and assumed things would run smoothly. Within months, delays mounted, trades clashed, and costs increased as “extras” piled up. We were brought in to coach them through the rest of the project. With clear payment schedules, proper contracts, and regular reviews, they regained control. Why Professional Support Pays Off At The Building Guidance Partnership, we provide coaching for homeowners who want to take charge - and full project management when required. Either way, our involvement saves clients far more than our fees. 💡 With professional project management, clients often save multiples of the project management costs through: Better build quality – avoiding mistakes and rework. Preventing inflated builder extras. Reducing timing delays that push up costs. Correctly recovering VAT and council tax where applicable. Avoiding disputes by using clear, pre-agreed specifications and contracts. Take Control - With the Right Support Self-managing a build can be rewarding - but it is not for the faint-hearted. With the right coaching, you can avoid pitfalls, protect your budget, and finish your project with confidence. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today. Let us help you decide if project managing your own build is the right choice - and give you the tools to succeed.

Why Staged Payments Protect Your Project - and Your Wallet

by Niket Kapur • 14 September 2025
The Risk of Big Deposits You have found a builder, the price is agreed, and you are eager to get started. The builder then asks for a large deposit upfront. Many homeowners feel they have no choice but to pay, only to later discover delays, unfinished work, or requests for more money. Large upfront payments remove your leverage and place all the risk in your hands. If the builder walks away or progress slows, your money may already be gone. Disputes, stress, and spiralling costs often follow. Why Staged Payments Make Sense The professional approach is to use staged payments tied to progress on site. This is not about mistrusting your builder - it is about protecting both parties and ensuring the project runs smoothly. With staged payments: You keep control of cashflow. The builder has incentive to deliver each stage on time. Payments are transparent and predictable. Disputes about “extras” are reduced because each stage is defined. By contrast, a large deposit creates imbalance. You lose the ability to hold the builder accountable, and problems become harder to resolve. How to Structure Payments Properly 1. Agree milestones in advance · Foundations completed · Roof installed · First fix services complete · Plastering finished · Practical completion 2. Keep it in writing · Payment terms should be part of your written contract and specification. 3. Always hold a retention · Retain 5-10% until all snagging is completed. 4. Avoid cash · Pay by bank transfer so there is a record. 5. Challenge unreasonable demands · If a builder insists on many thousands of pounds upfront, this is a red flag. Case Study: Regaining Control A homeowner we supported in Wembley had agreed to pay almost 40% of the contract value upfront. The builder became slow to mobilise, then requested further money before completing the first stage. The client felt trapped and anxious. We stepped in, reviewed the contract, and helped renegotiate a staged payment plan tied to milestones. Work progressed more smoothly, and the homeowner avoided what could easily have become a financial disaster. “Once the staged payments were in place, we finally felt back in control. Sunil and his team gave us confidence that our money was safe and that the builder was accountable.” Why This Matters for You Payment schedules may sound like a small detail, but they are often the difference between a successful build and a costly dispute. A fair, balanced structure protects your investment, gives your builder clarity, and keeps the project moving forward. Take Action Today Do not let unclear payment terms put your project at risk. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership. We will review your proposed payment structure and give you confidence that your builder is working to protect your money - not put it at risk.

"Why Hoarding Saves Lives: A Lesson from Tragedy"

by Niket Kapur • 9 September 2025
On 8 June 1965, The Times reported a tragic incident in Mitcham, Surrey. A six-year-old boy was found seriously burnt after lying between a live rail and a running rail. His story reminds us, even decades later, of the dangers posed by unprotected sites and infrastructure. While this was a railway accident, the principle is the same for building sites. Construction sites are dangerous: exposed wiring, deep excavations, sharp tools, heavy machinery, and unstable structures.  To the untrained eye, especially a child’s, a site can appear as nothing more than an exciting playground. In reality, it can be deadly. Why Hoarding Matters Site hoarding - the solid fencing erected around construction sites - is not just about privacy or stopping theft. It is a frontline safety measure that: Prevents accidents by keeping children and the public away from hazards. Protects workers by creating a controlled environment. Reduces liability for owners and contractors, who are legally responsible for site safety. Maintains order by ensuring only authorised people gain entry. Enhances community relations by reducing noise, dust, and unsightly views. A Duty of Care Every property owner, contractor, developer, and project manager has a duty of care. Skimping on hoarding, leaving gaps, or delaying installation is a risk no one should take. History shows us that tragedies happen quickly when safeguards are absent. Hoarding saves lives. It is not an optional extra but an essential first step in any build. The tragic story from 1965 is a reminder that dangers are real and ever-present.