Water Mains and Leak Repair

Are you facing issues with your water mains?

Is your water meter still running despite no visible signs of a leak or running water?

Our team of experienced engineers at ASL Limited is here to help you resolve these problems and get your water mains back up and running smoothly.

First, let's understand what a water main is. It is a crucial pipeline that connects your property to the water supplier, such as Thames Water. Water mains play a vital role in the distribution of clean tap water throughout England. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that our water main systems are well-maintained.

Where does it come from?

Before reaching the water mains, the water goes through a series of processes. It is sourced from underground sources, diverted rivers, reservoirs, or collected rainfall. The water then undergoes treatment and purification at commercial treatment plants to ensure it is safe for consumption. This involves filtering out toxins, sediments, and microorganisms and sometimes adding chlorine to eliminate contaminants. Once treated, the water is diverted back into the water main for distribution.

Your responsibilities

When it comes to your responsibilities regarding water mains, everything from the water meter located outside your property's boundary to everything within your house is typically your responsibility. Any issues that occur before the water meter, such as a leak in the road, are usually the responsibility of the water board.

Common problems

Low water pressure is a common problem associated with water mains. Fluctuations in water pressure can occur due to varying demands within households, which can reduce the pressure in the mains network. If you are experiencing low water pressure within your home, it is advisable to consult a professional who can assess the issue and provide a solution.

Various factors can contribute to supply-related problems, such as an undersized water main, a leak reducing the pressure, insufficient flow rate from the water board mains, or multiple properties sharing the same water network, thereby reducing the flow.

If you suspect a water mains leak, it is essential to take immediate action. Shut off the water supply using the stop valve located inside your property, typically under the kitchen sink. If the water meter stops spinning, it indicates that the leak is within your house. If the meter continues spinning, it suggests that the leak is outside your property.

Water flooding

To determine if the flooded water in your property is from a water main or a ground leak, you can perform a simple test. Turn off the external stop valve near your water meter. If the water stops running, but the flooded water remains, it is likely from a water mains leak. If the water does not stop, it is more likely to be surface water, such as an overflowing drain.

If you have a water mains leak or any issues related to broken water pipes, water main breaks, or leaks, don't hesitate to contact ASL Limited. Our experienced engineers, with their water hygiene certifications, are equipped to assess and address these problems efficiently.

If you require a complete replacement of your water mains, we offer services for that as well. At ASL Limited, we use our own moling equipment, allowing us to install new water mains or divert existing ones with minimal disruption to your property's land. This method is especially beneficial when installing water mains beneath new driveways, requiring access pits of up to 10 meters at a time.

What are water mains made of?

It is worth noting that water main pipes today are typically made from durable medium-density polyethylene (MVPE) pipework. However, older water main pipes were often made of lead, galvanized steel or iron, or copper.

If you have a leak in an old lead pipe, it's not uncommon for the leak to travel further down the pipe and cause recurring issues. In such cases, we recommend switching to MVPE pipes, which are more durable and less prone to becoming brittle over time.

If you're experiencing water mains issues or require assistance with leak repair or installation, ASL Limited is here to provide you with reliable and professional service.

Contact us today and benefit from our extensive experience in the industry.

Call 0800 181 684 or email us on info@asllimited.co.uk. You can alternatively fill in our enquiry form below.