Lead supply pipes were once the standard material for homes across the UK, particularly in areas with older or historic housing stock. Large parts of the Wirral fall into that category, which means many homeowners are still connected to the water main through pipework that is outdated and potentially unsafe.
If you live in the Wirral and suspect you may have lead pipes, this guide explains everything you need to know, from how to check, to local hotspots, to the costs and regulations involved. As a trusted local contractor, Tiger Utilities has carried out hundreds of replacements in the region and understands the unique challenges of Wirral properties.
Do You Have Lead Pipes? How to Check
Before considering replacement, it helps to confirm whether your property actually has lead pipework. There are a few easy checks you can carry out.
Consider the age of your home
- Properties built before 1970 are the most likely to have lead supply pipes.
- Homes built after this period usually used copper or, later, MDPE plastic.
Look at the pipe entering your internal stop tap
Lead pipe typically:
- Has a dull grey colour
- Feels soft if gently scraped
- Shows shiny silver beneath the surface
- Has rounded, swollen joints
If the incoming pipe meets this description, it is likely to be lead. You can see this process in detail in our related guide on how to check for lead pipes.
Check your external stop tap
If you share a stop tap with neighbours, your supply may be part of an older shared lead pipe. This is still common in older Wirral streets.
Book a professional survey
Tiger Utilities offers free surveys across the Wirral to confirm pipe materials and advise on the best replacement method.
Lead Pipe Hotspots in the Wirral
Although there is no public map of lead pipes, certain areas of the Wirral are known for having a higher likelihood due to the age and style of local housing.
Older Terraced Areas (High Likelihood)
These neighbourhoods contain large numbers of Victorian and Edwardian terraces:
- Birkenhead, particularly Tranmere, Rock Ferry and Claughton
- Wallasey, especially Seacombe and Liscard
- New Brighton
- Oxton
Many of these homes originally used lead pipes and some still operate on shared supplies.
1930s Suburban Estates (Moderate to High Likelihood)
Interwar housing often retains original supply lines, especially where long front gardens or driveways make replacement more complex.
Typical areas include:
- Prenton
- Pensby and Thingwall
- Moreton
- Parts of Bebington
Older Village Properties (Moderate Likelihood)
Some Wirral villages still have older cottages or early twentieth century builds:
- Heswall Lower Village
- Neston and Parkgate
- Irby
- Barnston
Any property that has never undergone a full pipe upgrade may still have a lead supply.
Shared Supplies
Shared supply arrangements are one of the strongest predictors of lead pipework. These are especially common in densely built areas such as Birkenhead, Wallasey and parts of West Kirby and Hoylake.
Field Observations from Tiger Utilities
Based on our surveys across the Wirral, these are typical likelihoods:
| Property type | Chance of having lead pipes |
| Pre-1930 terraces | 60–80% |
| 1930s semis | 40–60% |
| Older village homes | 30–50% |
| Post-1970 homes | Under 5% |
These figures are based on our experience and should not be taken as official statistics.
Why Lead Pipe Replacement Is Important
Health considerations – Lead can dissolve into drinking water and there is no safe level of lead ingestion. Replacing old pipework removes this risk entirely.
Improved water quality – New MDPE pipes provide better flow, more consistent pressure and cleaner water.
Future-proofing your plumbing – A modern supply pipe reduces the chance of leaks and makes it easier to install new bathrooms, kitchens or appliances.
Property value – Homes with updated water supplies often attract buyers more easily.
Local Regulations and Responsibilities in the Wirral
The water network is divided into two sections:
Communication pipe: owned by United Utilities, running from the water main to the boundary
Supply pipe: owned by the homeowner, running from the boundary into the property
If high lead levels are found, United Utilities may replace their section of pipe but homeowners are still responsible for their own supply.
During renovations or extensions, you may also be required to replace or upgrade old supply pipes to comply with water fitting regulations.
Grants occasionally become available for lead replacement, although availability varies and should be checked at the time of enquiry.
The Lead Pipe Replacement Process
At Tiger Utilities we follow a straightforward five-stage process.
- Free Survey – We assess your property, confirm pipe material and recommend the best route for installation.
- Quotation and Planning – You receive a clear fixed quote and we agree installation dates. If United Utilities needs to be involved we coordinate this with you.
- Installation Day – Most replacements take one day. Water supply is turned off for a short period while the new pipe is connected. We use trenchless technology where possible to minimise disruption.
- Testing and Reinstatement – The new pipe is tested for pressure and flow. Any ground disturbed during the work is reinstated to a tidy finish.
- Certification and Warranty – Once complete we provide documentation for your records and details of your warranty.
Costs: What Wirral Homeowners Can Expect
The cost of replacing a lead supply pipe varies depending on several factors.
Typical price range
Most Wirral replacements cost between £1,000 and £2,500.
What affects the price
- Distance from the property to the boundary
- Ground type such as soil, tarmac, block paving or concrete
- Whether trenchless installation is possible
- Presence of walls, extensions or other obstacles
- Whether the home is on a shared supply
Example scenarios
- Standard front garden (8–10 metres): £1,000–£1,500
- Long driveway or difficult access: £1,500–£2,500
Shared to individual supply upgrade: varies depending on the number of properties involved
We provide fixed quotes so there are no unexpected costs. You can read more about how much a lead pipe replacement costs in our related article.
Replacement Methods: Trenchless vs Traditional
Trenchless impact moling
This is the most common method we use across the Wirral. A pneumatic mole creates a tunnel underground allowing the new pipe to be pulled through with minimal digging. It keeps disruption low and works well in most soil conditions.
Traditional open trenching
Used only when trenchless methods are unsuitable. While more disruptive it is sometimes necessary in tight locations or where obstructions exist.
Timescales
Most replacement projects follow this timeline:
- Survey within a few days of enquiry
- Installation in one working day
- Reinstatement immediately afterwards
- Certification supplied on completion
Weather and access can affect timings but delays are rare.
How Tiger Utilities Supports Wirral Residents
- Specialist knowledge of local housing types from Birkenhead terraces to Heswall detached homes
- Fully accredited and insured engineers
- Clean, respectful work and clear communication
- Long warranties for peace of mind
- Experience coordinating with United Utilities when required
Take Action Today
If you suspect your Wirral home still has lead pipes or you want a professional opinion, Tiger Utilities offers free surveys across the region. Our team can confirm the pipe material, explain your options and provide a fixed quote for replacement.
Get in touch to book your lead pipe survey.
FAQs
Can United Utilities pay for part of the work?
They may replace their section of pipe if high lead levels are confirmed but homeowners are responsible for their own supply.
Do I need to replace internal plumbing too?
Usually only the supply pipe outside needs replacing unless internal pipework is also found to be lead.
Will the work damage my driveway?
We use trenchless installation where possible to avoid this. If digging is required we reinstate the surface to a tidy condition.
How disruptive is the replacement?
Most homes are without water for only a short period and the work is completed the same day.
