Lead pipes were commonly used in plumbing systems in the past, but now we know that they can cause some health issues due to contaminating the drinking water with lead. Lead is a harmful substance with significant health risks, especially for young children, and therefore it is important to replace any lead pipes to make sure you have safe and clean drinking water.
In this guide, we’ll share who should handle the replacement of lead pipes in your property.
Who Is Responsible for Replacing Lead Pipes?
1. Homeowners
If you own your property, you are generally responsible for replacing any lead pipes that are on your private land, including those that run from the water meter to your home. This includes any lead piping within the boundaries of your property, such as inside the house and within the garden or driveway area.
What Homeowners Need to Do:
– Check if your property has lead pipes, especially if your house was built before 1970
– Contact a professional and hire a plumber or contractor to replace the lead pipes with safer materials like copper pipe from a reliable supplier such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk.
– Be prepared for the financial cost of replacement, which can vary.
2. Water Companies
In many areas, water companies are responsible for replacing lead pipes that run from the public water supply to the water meter, usually located at the boundary of your property. They are also responsible for the maintenance and replacement of pipes in public spaces, such as under the streets.
What Water Companies Do:
– Your water company is responsible for replacing lead pipes that are part of the public water supply system.
– In some regions, local authorities may provide support or financial assistance for replacing your lead pipes, especially in low-income or vulnerable households.
3. Landlords
If you rent out your property, the responsibility for replacing lead pipes typically falls on you, the landlord. You are required to make sure that the property is safe for your tenants, and this includes ensuring that the drinking water is not contaminated by anything toxic like lead.
