Replacing lead supply pipe while renovating driveway

gameoverman

Hi,

We have a contractor lined up to dig out our old front driveway/garden of our semi-d and replace with hard landscaping. At the same time we want to replace the lead water supply pipe to the house (the internal piping has all been replaced already), which runs under the driveway. I'd like some clarification on the best/easiest way to go about it.

I'm aware that we are responsible for the replacing the private part inside the property and IW are responsible for replacing the public part to the water main, and have read your "Step by step guide to our Customer opt in Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme". The guidance there is to get a plumber lined up to be present at the same time as the local authority replace the public side, in order to connect the private side. But obviously our driveway contractor wouldn't be able to finish until that is done, so I basically would need to align both the contractor and plumber's schedule with whatever day the local authority chooses. That feels difficult to achieve, plus I don't want to delay our landscaping work.

The step-by-step guide also says that "if the replacement works have already been completed you can still apply for the scheme", so what we would like to do is just go ahead and do all the work on the private side including connecting new piping at the threshold, and then apply for the public side to be done including connection to our new piping whenever suits the local authority. Assuming our piping is all done to code, I just want to confirm that that is fine?

What do people generally do in this scenario?


Thanks

Irish Water: Agata

Hi gameoverman,

Thank you for your message.

This is correct, as this is the process customers are advised to follow in order to progress with the lead replacement scheme. Once all of the private side work is finished you will need to complete Customer Opt-In-Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme form. Our relevant department will then be in contact with you.

I hope you find this information helpful, if you have any further queries please feel free to contact us.

Kind regards,
Agata

gameoverman

Thanks Agata. One follow up question:

Will I even need a plumber present when the public side gets replaced, seeing as how the private side will have been replaced already? I'd assume the lads doing the public side will be able to do the join as well? So I guess I can leave the plumber section of the form blank?

Irish Water: Agata

Hi gameoverman,

Thanks for your reply.

Your plumber will have to be present on the day of the appointment, therefore we advise that the plumbers section on the form is completed. The relevant department will then make contact with you and your plumber to arrange an appointment to carry out the works.

Kind regards,
Agata