The easiest way is to look at the pipe where it enters your home, which is usually under the kitchen sink or near the internal stopcock. Lead is a dull grey colour and is very soft. If you scrape it gently with a coin, you will see a bright, silver-coloured metal underneath. If your pipe is a dull grey and has a swollen joint where it meets the tap, it is almost certainly lead.

MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) is the modern industry standard. Unlike lead or copper, it won't corrode and is incredibly durable. It is also much smoother on the inside, which reduces friction and often helps solve low water pressure issues. Plus, it gives you the peace of mind that your drinking water is lead-free.

Not usually. We use a method called trenchless moling. This involves digging two small entry and exit holes. A pneumatic "mole" then pulses through the ground to create a path for the new pipe. This avoids the need for a long, unsightly trench across your lawn or driveway, saving you time and keeping your property tidy.

Being WIAPS approved means we have the correct training to install water pipes to the required legal standards. It also means we can often self-certify our work. This speeds up the process with United Utilities, as they may not need to come out and inspect the trench before we backfill it, getting your new lead-free water supply running much faster.

Yes. If you have a sudden leak or a burst water main, you need to act fast to prevent property damage. We offer an emergency response to locate the leak and carry out a professional repair. If the pipe is in a very poor state, we can advise you on whether a spot repair or a full water main replacement is the most cost-effective long-term move.

United Utilities often runs schemes to encourage homeowners to move away from lead. While you are responsible for the pipework on your property, they may replace the section of pipe that belongs to them for free if you replace your side first. We can help you understand the current requirements for Macclesfield residents and ensure your new pipe meets their connection standards.