Lead Pipe Replacement Services in Scotland

At ScotWater, we specialise in providing lead pipe replacement services across Scotland, covering all major cities and towns like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and beyond. Given the health risks associated with lead contamination in water systems, it’s crucial to ensure that your property’s plumbing meets current safety standards. Our expert team is here to help you improve your water supply with our professional lead pipe replacement services.


Lead Pipes

Lead pipes are a common issue in homes built before 1970 across Scotland. Over time, these lead pipes pose a significant health risk due to the potential for lead to leach into your drinking water. If your property in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or anywhere else in Scotland still uses lead water pipes, lead pipe replacement is the safest solution to ensure clean, safe drinking water for your household.

At ScotWater, we provide professional lead pipe replacement services using advanced, trenchless technology (impact moling) to minimise disruption while delivering long-lasting results. Our expert team operates across Scotland, helping homeowners with lead pipe replacement to improve water quality.

 

Responsibilities: Who Owns Which Pipe?
 

Scottish Water: Responsible for the water main and the communication pipe (from the main to the external stop tap).

Homeowners/Landlords: Responsible for the supply pipe (from the stop tap into the home) and all internal plumbing.

In shared supply arrangements (e.g. tenements), responsibility is joint between all connected property owners.


Lead Pipe Replacement Service - What to Expect
 

1. Lead Pipe Inspection and Assessment: We begin by carrying out a thorough inspection of your property to identify any lead pipes. Our skilled technicians assess the condition and layout of the existing lead pipes and recommend the best course of action for lead pipe replacement.
 

2. Safe and Disruption-Free Lead Pipe Replacement: Once lead pipes are identified, we use advanced techniques to replace them with modern, durable materials. Our trenchless technology minimises digging and disruption to your property, ensuring a smooth and efficient replacement process.
 

3. Compliance with Water Safety Standards: As a trusted water services provider in Scotland, all our lead pipe replacement complies with current UK Water Regulations. We ensure that your new pipe meets the latest health and safety standards, giving you peace of mind about your drinking water.

 

Regulation and Water Safety Standards in Scotland
 

In Scotland, lead levels in drinking water are governed by the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2010, which set the current legal limit at 10 micrograms per litre (10 µg/L).
 

This reflects a significant improvement from earlier standards:
 

• 50 µg/L in the late 1980s

• 25 µg/L by 2003
   

The long-term ambition is to reduce the limit as close to zero as possible, in line with WHO guidance. The WHO recommends a guideline value of 0.01 mg/L (10 µg/L) based on health risk, not practical implementation.
 

Public health experts increasingly advocate adopting the EU's upcoming 5 µg/L standard, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

 

Testing and Taking Action

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• Water Testing: Free testing is available if lead pipes are suspected. A sample is taken from your cold kitchen tap.

• Results: If lead exceeds 10 µg/l, or 5 µg/l from April 2025, Scottish Water may replace its section. You must replace your private section first.

• Replacement: Use ScotWater to ensure compliance with Scottish plumbing byelaws.
  
   

Landlord Legal Duties
 

From March 2024, all privately rented homes in Scotland must be free of lead in the drinking water supply. This includes:

 

• Supply pipes

• Internal plumbing

• Lead-lined storage tanks
   

Non-compliance can result in enforcement action under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
 

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Why Replace Lead Pipes?
 

Replacing lead pipes is essential to protect your household from potential health risks and improve the quality of your water supply.

Here’s why lead pipe replacement is important:

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1. Health Risks: Lead can leach into drinking water from old lead pipes, posing serious health risks, particularly to young children and pregnant women. Lead exposure has been linked to developmental issues and other long-term health problems, making it critical to replace lead pipes as soon as possible.
 

2. Improved Water Quality: Replacing lead pipes eliminates the risk of lead contamination, significantly improving the safety and quality of your drinking water. Many homeowners also notice an improvement in the taste and clarity of their water after the lead pipe replacement work.
 

3. Increased Property Value: Modernising your plumbing system by replacing lead pipes can enhance the value of your property. Homes with updated lead-free water systems are more attractive to potential buyers and meet today’s safety standards.
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Mitigation While Awaiting Replacement
 

While full pipe replacement is the only permanent solution, temporary steps can reduce exposure:
 

• Use only cold water for drinking or cooking.

• Run taps for several minutes before use.

• Clean faucet aerators regularly.

• Use point-of-use filters certified for lead removal.

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The Dangers of Partial Lead Pipe Replacement
 

Partial lead pipe replacement—replacing only the public or private section—can dislodge built-up lead particles and temporarily increase contamination. Full lead pipe replacement of both sections is strongly advised to eliminate the risk.

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After Lead Pipe Replacement
 

Once your lead pipe replacement is complete:
 

• Flush your system by running all cold taps for 30 minutes.

• Remove and clean aerators.

• Avoid using kettles or ice makers during flushing.

• Notify Scottish Water for a follow-up inspection.

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Be Lead Aware and Take Action
 

Lead in drinking water remains a hidden but serious concern for older Scottish homes. If your property was built before 1970, it may still contain lead pipe. Don’t wait—book a water test, inspect your plumbing, and arrange for full lead pipe replacement if needed.
 

By acting now, you protect your health, comply with new legal standards, and contribute to a safer water supply for all of Scotland.

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The Benefits of Lead Pipe Replacement

Replacing lead water pipes in your home is essential for protecting your health, ensuring the purity of your drinking water, and preserving the value of your property. Lead is a hazardous substance that poses serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women, as it can lead to developmental issues and other medical conditions with prolonged exposure. By carrying out lead pipe replacement, you eliminate lead contamination in your water supply, creating a safer and healthier home for you and your family.

 

How to Start the Lead Pipe Replacement Process


Step 1 – Contact Scottish Water

Discuss your property’s lead pipe replacement with Scottish Water. They may ask:
 

• Is it a single or shared supply?

• When was the property built?

• They'll confirm if the pipe is lead and explain next steps.
   

Step 2 – Choose a ScotWater

Hire ScotWater to do your private-side lead pipe replacement. If on a shared supply, we must work with neighbours and may need to submit proof of work (e.g. a completion certificate).
 

Step 3 – Pipe Connection

Once your private side lead pipe replacement is complete, Scottish Water will replace . If the stop tap is on a road, this may require local authority permission and take additional time.
 

Step 4 – Disconnection of the Old Pipe

Single supply: Scottish Water will disconnect the old lead pipe.

Shared supply: Your plumber must isolate your home from the shared system.
 

Step 5 – Site Restoration

After connection, Scottish Water will return within 3 working days to restore surfaces and remove safety barriers.

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​​​Contact ScotWater for Lead Pipe Replacement Across Scotland
 

At ScotWater, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners and businesses across Scotland eliminate the risks associated with lead pipes. Our professional lead pipe replacement services ensure your water supply is safe, reliable, and compliant with modern safety standards.

If your property was built before 1970 or you suspect your water pipes may be made of lead, contact us today for a free, no-obligation lead pipe replacement quotation. Let us help you take the first step towards a safer, cleaner water supply for your home or business.

To discuss how our innovative, non-intrusive, and cost-effective lead pipe replacement methods can benefit you, please fill in the form below to consult with one of our specialists.

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ScotWater can carry out lead pipe replacement across Scotland and provide you with a free quotation. To get a free quote for your lead pipe replacement, please call us on 0131 381 7770 or email hello@scotwater.co.uk to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.