The scale of the problem…and the opportunity

Despite being banned for new plumbing in the 1970s, lead pipes still carry water to millions of UK homes.

According to the Drinking Water Inspectorate and Ofwat, around 8.9 million households have at least some lead pipework, with an estimated three million connections still needing replacement.

For water companies and utilities, this presents both a public health challenge and a huge delivery opportunity. Every successful replacement reduces risk, improves customer confidence and contributes directly to achieving AMP8 water quality targets.

Out with the old

Lead was once prized for its flexibility and longevity – even the Romans relied on it – but today it’s recognised as a serious health hazard. Replacing lead service lines is essential, yet traditional methods can be slow, costly and disruptive.

Digging deep trenches, reinstating hard surfaces and coordinating ownership boundaries all add time and expense. Customers face upheaval and utilities face delays

A simpler way forward

Our solutions – built on decades of experience and technical knowhow – are designed to make lead-free upgrades faster, cleaner and compliant. At the heart of this approach is INSUduct, an external duct system that enables the safe installation of new water supplies without deep excavation or internal disturbance.

INSUduct is installed externally, running above the damp-proof course, meaning there’s no need to dig up floors or disturb finishes inside the property. The system’s insulated, frost-protected design keeps water supplies secure year-round and meets BS 5422 and Water Regulations Part 4 compliance standards.

It’s UV-stabilised, impact-resistant, and available for standard and larger pipe sizes up to 63 mm OD, ideal for both retrofit and new-build connections.

The result?

• Minimal disruption for residents
• Predictable, time-efficient installations
• Reduced reinstatement costs
• Full regulatory compliance

Proof in practice

In this case study we supported a utility partner to replace legacy lead connections across multiple homes – quickly, safely and without intrusive groundworks.

By using INSUduct, the utility:

• Eliminated internal excavation and reinstatement
• Reduced customer disruption to a few hours
• Achieved full compliance with current water regulations

The project demonstrated that lead replacement doesn’t have to mean major disruption, a clear model for utilities across the UK.

Smarter delivery, fewer surprises

Replacing lead is about more than materials, it’s about managing complexity.
Groundbreaker helps utilities and installers deliver consistent, inspection-ready outcomes through:

• Efficient site surveys that minimise excavation
• Clear demarcation of customer and utility responsibilities
• Regulatory compliance from design to delivery

Together, these make projects predictable, auditable, and scalable – exactly what’s needed to meet AMP8 targets confidently.

Lead pipe replacement, made simple

The UK’s lead replacement programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade the national network safely and efficiently.

With INSUduct, utilities and installers can deliver fast, compliant, low-disruption upgrades that protect public health and improve customer satisfaction.

Get in touch to talk your project through with us.