Services

Water Supply Pipe Renewals Scotland
 

Professional Water Supply Pipe Renewal Services in Scotland

If you suspect that the water supply pipe on your property may need repairing or replacing, the ScotWater team is ready to help find the right solution for you. You may have noticed a leak, experienced low water flow or pressure, or you may be renovating and decide it's time to replace the old lead water supply pipe. 


Low Water Flow or Pressure

The flow of water into your property is influenced by the condition of your private water supply pipe. If this pipe is in poor condition, it may restrict the water volume it carries, reducing the flow to your taps. Factors that can impact this include:
 

• The diameter of the water supply pipe

• Corrosion within the water supply pipe and on appliances, particularly in iron water supply pipe, which can significantly reduce the internal diameter due to extensive corrosion

• The demand for water in your home at certain times

• The length of the water supply pipe

• Any leaks on your water supply pipe

• The pressure in the water main

• The number and type of fittings along the water supply pipe, such as ferrules, stop taps, meters, and bends

• Any inconsistencies in the water supply pipe, such as a partly shut stop tap, grit obstructing a ferrule or meter, damage, or internal corrosion.

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Replacing the water supply pipe could improve the poor flow. To discuss your current flow problems and get a free quote for replacement, please call us on 0131 381 7770 or email us at hello@scotwater.co.uk.

Lead Water Supply Pipes
 

If your house was built before 1970 and hasn't been modernised, there's a good chance your water supply pipe may be made of lead.

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For homes with lead water supply pipes, it's advisable to run the cold tap for a few moments before using the water to drink. This helps flush out any water that has settled in the water supply pipe, particularly if it has been standing for a long time, such as overnight or during a holiday, when the concentration of lead can increase. Flushing the water supply pipe reduces the lead concentration in the water you consume.

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It is important not to drink water from the hot tap, as the concentration of lead tends to be higher. This is because hot water dissolves lead more effectively than cold water.

Water companies conduct regular checks to ensure that the water supply complies with government regulations. According to The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, the maximum allowable concentration of lead per litre is 10 micrograms however lead is a common toxic metal with no safe level of consumption. It is a totally preventable poison.

If you are concerned that the lead concentration in your water may exceed this limit, or if you simply wish to modernise your property, replacing your lead water supply pipe could be a wise decision.

 

Lead Pipes for Rented Properties
 

Replacing lead pipes is not just best practice—it is a legal requirement for rented properties in Scotland
 

The safest water is lead-free water
 

Don’t delay: act now to ensure compliance, protect health, and avoid enforcement action
 

For advice and support, visit Scottish Water or the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR).


Lead Pipes in Scotland: What Every Homeowner, Landlord, and Tenant Must Know


Across Scotland, many homes built before 1970 still rely on outdated lead pipe for their water supply. These legacy pipes can pose a significant risk to health, especially for young children and pregnant women. While Scottish Water supplies clean, treated water that leaves their treatment works virtually lead-free, contamination can occur as water travels through private lead pipes underground or within your home.
 

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about lead pipes in Scotland: the risks, responsibilities, regulations, testing, short-term precautions, and the only long-term solution—full lead pipe replacement.​

 

Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water
 

• Children: Exposure to lead can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavioural problems, and reduced IQ.

• Pregnant Women: Lead can cross the placenta and harm the developing baby, increasing the risk of low birth weight and miscarriage.

• Adults: Long-term exposure can contribute to kidney problems, high blood pressure, memory loss, and fertility issues.
   

There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the effects are cumulative. The only way to eliminate the risk is to remove the lead at its source.

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How Lead Gets Into Your Water


Lead is not present in water at the source or in public water mains. Contamination happens when treated water passes through private lead pipes and fittings. The longer the water is in contact with these materials—such as overnight or during the day while you're out—the more lead can dissolve into it.
 

Lead can also enter drinking water through:
 

• Internal lead pipe

• Lead-based solder on copper pipes (banned for drinking water since 1987, but may still exist)

• Old brass fixtures and fittings

• Lead-lined water storage tanks in lofts of older homes

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Regulations and Legal Limits

The current UK legal limit for lead in drinking water is 10 micrograms per litre (10 µg/L). However, from 1 April 2025, Scottish Water will begin replacing lead communication pipes (their responsibility) when levels exceed 5 µg/L. Internationally, the European Union has committed to reducing the maximum lead level to 5 µg/L by 2036, and pressure is mounting for the UK to follow suit.
 

Scotland also enforces legal standards under:
 

• The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2010

• The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and Repairing Standard (for landlords)

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Responsibilities for Lead Pipe Replacement

 

• Scottish Water > Owns and maintains the communication pipe (from the public water main to the external stop tap at your property boundary). Will replace this section for free if it is made of lead and you replace your private section

• Property Owners > Are responsible for the private supply pipe (from the boundary stop tap into the home) and all internal plumbing and must arrange and pay for replacement of any private lead pipes.

• Landlords > Must ensure all privately rented homes are free from lead pipes by 1 March 2024 under the Repairing Standard
  
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How to Identify Lead Pipe


You may have lead pipes if:
 

• Your property was built before 1970

• You live in a tenement, terrace, or rural property with shared supply lines
   

Visual Inspection
 

• Lead pipes are dull grey, soft, and easy to scratch

• When scratched, they reveal a shiny silver colour

• Tapping them with metal produces a dull thud, unlike the ring of copper or the click of plastic
   

If you're unsure, speak to ScotWater.

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Free Lead Testing in Scotland

If you suspect lead pipes or just want peace of mind:
 

• Contact Scottish Water for a free water quality test

• Samples are taken from your kitchen tap (unflushed and flushed) and sometimes from your external stop tap
   

If your test result exceeds the legal limit, Scottish Water will advise you on next steps and begin replacing their section once you have replaced yours.

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Short-Term Measures to Reduce Exposure

While you arrange for full pipe replacement, these tips help reduce risk:
 

• Flush your taps: Run the cold kitchen tap for 2–3 minutes in the morning or after long periods of non-use

• Use cold water only for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula—never hot water

• Store water in the fridge after flushing for easy access

• Clean tap aerators regularly, as they can trap lead particles

• Don’t disturb old pipes during DIY work

• Use a certified lead filter if needed, and change cartridges regularly

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Full Lead Pipe Replacement

The only permanent solution is to replace all lead pipe from the boundary to your tap.

Steps to Replace:
 

• Hire ScotWater 

• Replace your private supply pipe

• Notify Scottish Water, who will replace their communication pipe if it’s made of lead

• Flush your entire plumbing system after installation

• Keep documentation (certificate of compliance, plumber invoice, and test results)
   

Technical Requirements:
 

• Pipe must be buried 750mm–1350mm deep

• Ducting and insulation required at entry point

• Sand/gravel backfill for first 250mm

• Trench left open at both ends for inspection

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Special Situations: Shared Supply Pipes

Many older properties in Scotland share a water supply. In this case:
 

• Coordination with neighbours is needed for full replacement

• You can request a separate supply pipe if preferred

• Local councils may offer grants or low-interest loans to help with costs

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What If You're Renting?

If you’re a tenant, and you suspect lead pipes:
 

• Ask your landlord to arrange testing and replacement

• You can request a water test from Scottish Water and share the results with your landlord
   

Landlords are legally required to replace lead pipes under the Repairing Standard. If they fail to comply, you may report the issue to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).​

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After Replacement: Final Steps

Once work is complete:
 

• Flush all cold water outlets for 30+ minutes

• Remove and clean aerators

• Avoid using kettles or filters during initial flush

• Request a follow-up test to confirm the water is lead-free

• Keep all paperwork for future inspections, lettings, or sales

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Take Action Today

If your property was built before 1970, take these steps:
 

• Check for lead pipes

• Book a free water test from Scottish Water

• Speak to an approved plumber

• Replace your private supply pipe

• Notify Scottish Water to replace their section

• Encourage neighbours to act if you share a supply
   

Safe water starts with lead-free pipes. Don’t delay—act today.

 

Mitigation Measures While Awaiting for Lead Pipe Replacement
 

• Flushing taps regularly (3 to 5 minutes in the morning).

• Use cold water only for drinking or cooking.

• Collect flushed water for reuse (e.g., watering plants).
   

Corrosion Control by Scottish Water Scottish Water adds orthophosphate at treatment works to coat internal pipe surfaces and reduce lead leaching. This is effective but not permanent, and interruptions can cause spikes in lead levels.
 

Long Supply Pipes Over 30 Metres If the pipe is longer than 30 metres, flushing may be insufficient. Full replacement is strongly recommended.
 

Lead Pipes and Lead in Your Water: What You Need to Know Even though Scottish Water’s treated water is lead-free, contamination can occur through old private pipe. Identifying and replacing lead pipes is crucial for long-term safety.

 

Renovating your property?
 

Renovating makes for a good opportunity for water supply pipe replacement. If you are renovating an area of your home, this is the ideal time to inspect any newly exposed plumbing for signs of wear or damage.

Replacing your old water supply pipe when areas are already exposed for other work can save you money in the long run, as it eliminates the need to re-expose the pipe for future repairs.

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This is particularly crucial if you are redoing your driveway—replacing your water supply pipe at the same time will prevent the inconvenience of having to disrupt your new driveway later to access the pipework.

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ScotWater can carry out water supply pipe renewals across Scotland and provide you with a free quotation for the renewal. To get a free quote for your water supply pipe renewals, please call us on 0131 381 7770 or email hello@scotwater.co.uk to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your water main needs.