Getting your new water connection
If you need a new water connection, or you’re looking to upgrade an existing supply, you’ll need to submit an application.
What if I'm building a new property or converting into multiple units?
How much does it cost to connect a water main?
Our charges cover our work in laying new pipework from our water main to your property boundary.
We’re not able to provide an accurate cost without one of our design engineers providing you with a quote. See our charging arrangements for a breakdown of all of our costs, or this webpage if you’d like to better understand the charges.
What if I'm on a shared supply?
You’ll need to apply for a new water connection to separate your clean water pipework from your neighbour’s.
Shared water supplies used to allow enough water for each household, but demand has increased due to modern appliances like power showers and dishwashers. Some of our customers also choose to do this so they are able to turn their water off without affecting the neighbour.
You may not always know you’re on a shared supply with your neighbour. If your stopcock is in a communal area or you do not have enough flow from your taps during peak times such a 7-8am or at children’s bedtime.
What if I'm replacing lead pipework?
Your options for replacing lead pipework depends on where they are located:
Replacing lead within the property boundary only
If you’re replacing the pipework between the outside stop valve (usually in the footpath) and internal stop valve (within the building), we’ll need to reconnect you to the outside stop valve after your plumber has replaced the lead pipework. To arrange the reconnection, call us on 0800 316 9800 (option 1).
Our lead replacement scheme
If any of your lead piping belongs to us, we’ll replace it with a pipe of the same diameter free of charge up to 25mm.
If you’re starting work in the next three months, please apply now.
What's the difference between a new water main and new water connection?
People often talk about new water mains when they mean a new connection from their home to the water main. This is known as a water service connection. Water mains supply many properties, and service connections take this water from the mains to our homes. If you're unsure about what you need, take a look at our help page.
How do I increase my water pressure or flow?
Water pressure is controlled by pumps owned by the water company, which are controlled to ensure everyone on the network has enough water.
The bigger the supply pipe from a water main to your property, the more water will flow from your tap. If you’re installing new appliances or heating systems, you’ll need to ensure the flow rate is high enough to use them effectively. To increase the flow rate, you can install a larger pipe which allows more water to flow through or, if you share your supply with a neighbour, get a separate water connection.
Where can I find an approved plumber?
Do I need to appoint a water retailer?
What's my responsibility for firefighting water supplies?
It's your responsibility to ensure that the main from which any firefighting supply is being taken can provide your firefighting needs.
You'll need to request that a fire protection company, with advice from the local fire authority, undertakes a flow and pressure test from the nearest available fire hydrant or washout point on the main for that supply. The test will show if the main has the required flow and pressure for your fire protection needs.