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Read moreUnderstanding Lead Pipes in Older UK Homes
Although most modern UK water mains are now lead-free, many older properties, particularly those built before 1970, may still rely on lead service pipes or internal plumbing. Water itself leaves treatment plants with virtually no lead content, but if it passes through old lead pipework, tiny amounts can dissolve into your drinking water.
Even low concentrations can be harmful over time. Lead exposure is especially concerning for young children and pregnant women, as it can affect brain and nervous system development. The Department of Health and the Drinking Water Inspectorate both recommend identifying and replacing any remaining lead pipework wherever possible.
When Was Your Home Built?
If your home or building was built before 1970 and the plumbing has never been fully modernized, it may contain lead pipes. In West Sussex and neighboring counties, thousands of homes still use sections of lead piping between the property boundary and the kitchen tap.
If your property was constructed after 1970 or has since undergone complete plumbing replacement, your pipework is likely copper or plastic and therefore lead-free.
Who Is Responsible for Lead Pipes?
Responsibility for pipe replacement is split between you and your water supplier:
- Water supplier: owns the communication pipe, the section running from the mains to your external stop valve at the property boundary.
- Homeowner: owns the supply pipe from the external stop valve to your internal plumbing, plus all internal pipes and fittings.
If your supply pipe or internal plumbing is made of lead, replacement falls under your responsibility. Your water company typically replaces its side of the pipe free of charge once you’ve replaced yours.
How to Check for Lead Pipes in Your Home
1. Start Indoors
Begin by locating where your water supply enters your home, often under the kitchen sink, in a cellar, garage, or cupboard beneath the stairs.
Look for the following characteristics:
- Color: unpainted lead pipes appear dull grey.
- Texture: they’re soft and easily scratched.
- Scratch test: gently scrape the surface; if it reveals shiny silver metal, it’s likely lead.
- Shape: lead bends more easily and may have irregular curves.
If your neighbor’s house was built around the same time, ask whether they found lead plumbing during renovations. This can offer a quick clue.
2. Check Outside Your Property
Lift the cover of the external stop valve or stopcock (usually near the boundary or driveway). The visible section of the pipe leading to your house could indicate what your supply is made from.
- Lead: dull grey, soft, sometimes swollen at joints.
- Copper: bright orange-brown tone that dulls over time.
- Iron: very hard, dark, or rusty.
- Plastic (blue, black, or grey): lightweight and modern.
If you’re unsure or can’t access the area safely, book a free inspection with Coastal Drains. Our engineers can confirm your pipe material quickly and safely.
How to Reduce Risk from Lead Pipes
If you discover lead pipes, don’t panic. There are temporary measures you can take until full replacement is arranged:
- Flush the pipes each morning.
Run your cold-water tap for two minutes before drinking or cooking. Use the flushed water for cleaning or watering plants. - Use only cold water for consumption.
Hot water dissolves lead more readily. Always draw cold water for drinks or cooking. - Clean tap filters and aerators.
These can accumulate lead particles over time. - Consider a certified water filter.
Some carbon-block filters are proven to reduce lead levels.
While these steps reduce immediate risk, permanent safety requires full pipe replacement.
Replacing Lead Pipes: The Complete Guide
Step 1 – Confirm Presence of Lead Pipework
Use the inspection methods above or request a professional survey. Coastal Drains can identify pipe materials inside and outside your home and map their route for clarity.
Step 2 – Determine Ownership and Shared Supply
Some older properties share a single service pipe with neighbors. Our engineers can trace the connection to confirm ownership.
If you share a pipe:
- You and your neighbors can jointly replace it, splitting the cost.
- If they prefer not to participate, you can install your own independent supply line.
When creating a new connection, we ensure old “dead-leg” sections are properly sealed to prevent stagnation or contamination.
Step 3 – Check Electrical Earthing
Homes built before 1966 often used the metal water pipe as part of the electrical earthing system. Replacing lead with plastic may break this circuit.
Before work begins, have a qualified electrician verify the earthing arrangement and install a suitable alternative if necessary.
Step 4 – Notify Your Water Company
If your water supplier owns part of the lead pipework, notify them that you intend to replace your private section. They’ll typically arrange free replacement of their corresponding section within about three months.
Step 5 – Book a Free Inspection with Coastal Drains
Once you’ve confirmed the details above, our drainage experts can:
- Survey your existing pipework
- Provide a no-obligation quotation.
- Handle excavation and replacement safely and efficiently.y
We use high-quality MDPE (medium-density polyethylene) pipework that complies with all UK water-supply regulations, ensuring a permanent, corrosion-free system.
Book a Free Lead Pipe Inspection Today →
Benefits of Replacing Lead Pipes
Replacing outdated lead pipes brings several lasting benefits:
- Safer drinking water for your family and pets
- Compliance with modern water regulations
- Improved water flow and pressure
- Increased property value and insurance acceptance
- Long-term savings on maintenance and water quality issues
It’s a straightforward upgrade that dramatically improves your home’s health and efficiency.
Cost of Lead Pipe Replacement in West Sussex
Costs vary depending on distance from the stop valve to your internal plumbing, access difficulty, and whether excavation through drives or gardens is required.
Typical private-side replacement costs range between £800 – £2,000, though partial replacements or easy-access routes can be lower.
Coastal Drains provides clear, written quotations with no hidden charges, and we coordinate directly with your water company, where applicable, to avoid duplicate work.
Why Choose Coastal Drains?
- Local experts: Serving households across West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and the South East.
- Fully insured & accredited engineers.
- Specialists in drainage, pipe replacement, and water-supply services.
- Free inspection & transparent quoting.
- Fast, safe replacement using WRAS-approved materials.
Our team combines professional expertise with local knowledge, ensuring every replacement meets water authority standards and causes minimal disruption to your property.
How to Book Your Lead Pipe Inspection
Booking a free inspection is simple:
- Call 0808 253 3481 or complete our online contact form.
- Our team will schedule a convenient appointment.
- We’ll identify your pipe type, discuss replacement options, and provide a quote completely free of obligation.
Protect your household’s health today with a quick professional check.
Book Your Free Lead Pipe Inspection
FAQs About Lead Pipes in Homes
1. How can I tell if my pipes are lead?
Lead pipes are dull grey, soft to the touch, and reveal a shiny silver color when scratched. Copper and plastic pipes are harder and brighter in tone.
2. Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes. Lead accumulates in the body over time and is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. Even low levels can affect development.
3. Who is responsible for replacing lead pipes?
Your water supplier replaces the communication pipe up to your boundary. You’re responsible for the supply pipe and internal plumbing inside your property.
4. How long does replacement take?
Most domestic replacements take one to two days, depending on pipe length and access.
5. Does replacing lead pipes damage my garden or driveway?
Modern trenchless techniques minimize disruption. Coastal Drains uses targeted excavation to restore your property quickly and cleanly.
6. How often should pipes be checked?
If your property predates 1970 or you’re unsure of past upgrades, arrange an inspection once. After replacement with MDPE, no further checks are needed.
