Taking the lead on LEAD

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

Awareness of the potential health problems caused by lead in the water supply, particularly in infants and children, is growing.  In redevelopment of properties the quality of the water supply pipe should be you first priority.

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.  Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes. In some areas of the UK 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.

Particularly with older or listed properties, traditional lead replacement methods can cause huge disruption within the property and can put the integrity of a building at risk.  Often deterring the replacement, but potentially putting occupants at risk.

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 occupants, and minimises the impact on the building infrastructure.

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 web site www.groundbreaker.co.uk/INSUduct 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.

Groundbreaker Systems, 3 Fairways, Stuston, nr Diss IP21 4AB

Tel 01379 741993

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