Question 1

Does my London home have lead pipes?

Accepted Answer

Around 17% of London properties still have original lead supply pipes, predominantly in homes built before 1970 (and especially pre-1939 Victorian and Edwardian properties). Lead pipes were the standard material for the supply pipe running from the water main in the street to the property, and for internal supply pipework. Lead is dull grey and can be scratched easily with a coin — copper and modern plastic pipes can't be scratched this way. Lead pipes often have a characteristic swollen, bulging shape at joints (wiped lead joints) and feel heavier than copper for the same diameter. Thames Water offers a free replacement scheme for the section of lead pipe that runs from the water main to the property boundary — the section from boundary to the internal stopcock is the homeowner's responsibility (typically £500–£1,500).

Question 2

Is lead piping dangerous in London?

Accepted Answer

Lead leaches into drinking water over time, particularly when water has been standing in the pipe (overnight, for example). London's hard water (280–320 mg/l) forms a calcium carbonate scale layer inside lead pipes which partially reduces leaching — but does not eliminate it. The World Health Organisation sets a maximum guideline of 10 micrograms per litre (μg/l) for lead in drinking water. Pregnant women, infants, and young children are most at risk. If your home has lead pipes, the UK Health Security Agency recommends running the cold kitchen tap for 2–3 minutes before using water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula until the pipes are replaced. Thames Water's free lead pipe replacement covers the street main to your boundary — contact them on 0800 009 3921.

Question 3

What types of pipe does Trusted Plumber London replace?

Accepted Answer

We replace all types of domestic supply and waste pipework in London: lead supply pipes (boundary to internal stopcock), galvanised iron supply pipes (common in 1950s–1970s properties — rust and scale inside the pipe cause progressive flow restriction and brown water), corroded or pinholed copper supply and central heating pipes (pitting corrosion from London's hard water and dezincification of brass fittings), old bitumen-coated iron drain pipes, push-fit and solvent-weld plastic waste pipes (when cracked, poorly jointed, or undersized), and 15mm mains supply pipes that need upgrading to 22mm to support a combi boiler or improved water pressure.

Question 4

How much does lead pipe replacement cost in London?

Accepted Answer

Lead pipe replacement cost in London depends on the length and location of the pipe run. The section from the boundary to the internal stopcock (typically 1–8 metres, running under the front garden or through the hallway floor) costs £500–£1,500 for a straight run with good access, or £1,500–£3,000 if the pipe runs under concrete, tiles, or through a basement. Thames Water replaces the section from the street main to your property boundary for free (contact 0800 009 3921). A full internal lead pipe replacement (all supply pipework within the property) costs £1,500–£5,000 depending on property size and access. We usually replace with 22mm MDPE (blue polyethylene) for the supply to boundary, then 22mm or 15mm copper internally.

Question 5

Why is my copper pipe leaking in a London property?

Accepted Answer

Copper pipes leak in London properties for several reasons: (1) Pinhole corrosion — London's hard water (280–320 mg/l) creates an electrolytic environment inside copper pipe that causes microscopic pits to develop over 20–40 years, eventually perforating the pipe wall. Particularly common on hot water pipes. (2) Dezincification of brass compression fittings — London's hard water attacks brass fittings, causing them to become porous. The fitting appears intact but weeps through its body. (3) Mechanical damage — pipes banging against joists (water hammer), movement from thermal expansion, or accidental damage during works. (4) Frost damage — copper pipe cracks when water inside freezes and expands. Pinhole-corroded sections should be cut out and replaced rather than just patched — patches on pitted copper are a temporary fix.

Question 6

How much does pipe replacement cost in London?

Accepted Answer

Pipe replacement pricing in London depends on pipe type, length, and access: Single section repair (cut out and replace 0.5m pinhole): £120–£200. Copper pipe re-run (one room, accessible): £200–£500. Lead pipe replacement (boundary to stopcock): £500–£1,500. Lead pipe replacement (under concrete/tiled floor): £1,500–£3,000. Full internal supply re-pipe (whole house): £2,500–£8,000. 15mm to 22mm mains upgrade: £400–£1,200. Waste pipe replacement: £150–£600 per run. All prices include materials, making good minor damage, and testing.

Job	Detail	Price
Pinhole repair (cut out + replace 0.5m section)	Copper, accessible	£120–£200
Copper pipe re-run (one room)	Accessible pipework	£200–£500
Lead pipe replacement (boundary to stopcock)	Good access	£500–£1,500
Lead pipe replacement (under concrete/tiles)	Concrete break-up required	£1,500–£3,000
15mm → 22mm mains upgrade	Boundary to stopcock	£400–£1,200
Full internal supply re-pipe	2–3 bed house	£2,500–£5,000
Waste pipe replacement (one run)	40mm or 50mm UPVC	£150–£350
Soil pipe replacement	110mm UPVC (per storey)	£400–£900

Pipe Replacement London

Pipe Types We Replace in London

Lead Pipe

Galvanised Iron Pipe

Corroded Copper Pipe

15mm Mains Supply Pipe

Bitumen Iron Drain Pipe

Push-Fit Plastic Waste Pipe

Pipe Replacement Prices — London 2026

Pipe Replacement Across London

Pipe Replacement FAQs

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