When it comes to installing a water mains pipe, you need to be careful before you start. There are several important things to keep in mind to make sure the installation is successful and doesn’t cause any problems.
First, you need to make sure you size the pipe correctly, the majority of domestic properties
First, you need to make sure the water pipe is the right size for your needs. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to handle the water pressure and could burst. If it’s too big, it will be more expensive and difficult to install. Next, you need to think about the water pressure. This will determine how thick the pipe needs to be. If the water pressure is too high, it could damage the pipe or cause it to burst. Finally, you need to make sure the pipe is installed correctly. This means using the proper fittings and making sure the connections are secure. If the pipe isn’t installed correctly, it could leak or burst.
If you’re not sure how to install a mains water pipe, it’s best to hire a professional. They will be able to properly size the pipe and install it without any problems. If you’re determined to do it yourself, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before you start. The last thing you want is a flood in your home because of a mistake during the installation process.
Water Pipe Installation Overview Guide
If you’re considering installing your water pipe yourself you can see some key points to bear in mind to avoid the risks and damage caused to your home, by flooding from your pipes.
- Using a cable avoidance tool scan the work area for any services (gas,water,electricity, sewers)
- Once services are located then begin to excavate to the required depth for the water supply installation
- Lay the new water supply pipe
- Complete a new point of entry to the property using a kango or similar
- Ensure the point of entry is the correct depth, ducted and insulated to suit the size of the incoming supply
- Connect on to the water authority supply at the boundary using the correct WRAS approved adaptor
- Internally install a new stop tap, drain off and double check valve if required and make a connection to the existing plumbing system
- Test all works, once tested continue to backfill and reinstate the excavation and remove any spoil from site. Ensure backfill is compacted correctly or the ground will sink in the area of the excavation
How to Connect the Mains Water Line to your House
Turn off the main water supply to your home. Find the main water shut-off valve, which is usually located where the water main enters your house. Use a pipe wrench to loosen the bolts on the main water shut-off valve. With the main water shut off, turn on a faucet in your home to release any residual water pressure in the lines. With the water off and the faucet open, use a hacksaw to cut through the galvanized pipe at the point where you want to make the connection.
Use a pipe wrench to remove any burrs on the cut end of the galvanized pipe. Wrap the male threads on the cut end of the galvanized pipe with Teflon tape. Screw the galvanized pipe onto the female threads of the copper pipe. Use the pipe wrench to tighten the connection. Turn on the main water supply to your home, checking for leaks at the connection.
How to Install Water Pipes in the House
When installing your mains water pipe in your house, you need to be particularly careful as this is where there is the most risk of damage. You need to make sure you do the following:
- Ensure the supply is shut off correctly using the external stop valve (this may require a specialist stop tap key)
- Once the supply is isolated then drain down the system by opening all cold water taps in the property
- Cut off / remove the old incoming water isolation point
- Install a new stop valve (to suit the existing pipe size)
- Connect the new stop valve to the existing system using either copper or plastic pipe and ensure there is a drain off valve installed
- Test works by turning back on the external stop valve and confirm there are no leaks
Laying Water Pipe Underground
There are a few things to consider when installing a mains water pipe underground. First, make sure you have the correct materials and tools. Before you start any excavation works you should scan the work area using a cable avoidance tool and also raise any manholes to check for any drains in the area of concern.
Once all services have been located you can then plan the route of the water supply, to commence the next phase of works you will need a roll of suitable water pipe, a specialist pipe cutter, gloves, and a shovel. Next you may need a stihl saw / kango to break up any concrete or tarmac along the route/ Once the route has been planned and you have broken out any tarmac/concrete or raised block paving or flags then excavate along the route to a minimum depth of 750mm. Once you have reached the correct depth then you should lay the pipe and make a connection at the boundary to the local water authority incoming supply.
Understanding the risks of laying your own water pipes
Installing your own mains water pipes should be considered as a specialist job. Although you can do this directly, it is often much quicker and more cost effective in the long term to work with a specialist. As Tiger Utilities are a WIAPS approved contractor and we use the latest trenchless technology it can often be safer, quicker and more cost effective to use a private company such as ourselves than laying the new pipe yourself as we can self-certify the works and backfill and reinstate whilst on site. If you lay the pipe yourself then you would have to leave the pipe open for inspection by the local water authority which can be time consuming and also dangerous leaving a long trench open for a number of days/weeks. Contact us to find out how we can help with your water mains pipe installation.