Who
United Utilities
What
INSUduct & SHalloduct
Where
Wrexham Close, OldhamWhen
2018
At a glance
- Replaces lead pipes in under 2 Hours
- No major excavations
- Minimal disruption to households
- Protects up to two 32mm OD pipes
- Compliant with BS5422 and Water Regulations (4)
- Saves time and costs for contractors
INSUduct for Easy Lead Pipe Replacement
As awareness of the health risks caused by lead in water systems grows, particularly for infants and children, many properties with lead water pipes are facing increasing pressure to replace them.
Even though the use of lead in plumbing has been banned for over 50 years, a significant percentage of homes built before 1970 still have lead supply pipes that pose a potential health risk. This case study highlights how INSUduct® provides a cost-effective, efficient, and minimally disruptive solution for replacing these outdated pipes.
The Problem: Lead Water Pipes in Older Properties
• Health Risks: Lead pipes can cause developmental harm, particularly to young children and infants.
• Widespread Issue: In some parts of the UK, up to one-third of homes built before 1970 still have lead pipes.
• Traditional Replacement: Replacing lead pipes typically requires significant excavation and disruption to households, often leading to reluctance from homeowners to initiate the work.
The Solution: INSUduct® for Quick, Efficient Replacement
INSUduct® is an innovative solution designed to replace lead and leaking water pipes quickly, with minimal disruption and no need for major excavation. By running a new water supply pipe along the exterior of the building, INSUduct® eliminates the need for costly and messy dig-ups, providing a faster and more efficient solution.
- Key Benefits:
Faster Replacement: Entire replacements can be completed in under 2 hours. - Minimal Disruption: No invasive digging or demolition, reducing the impact on householders.
- Long-Term Protection: Provides thermal protection to ensure frost resistance for up to two 32mm OD pipes.
How It Works
1. Easy Installation:
INSUduct® enables quick installation with minimal effort:
• The new supply pipe is routed up the building’s exterior, ensuring no need for digging underground.
• The pipe is protected with a specially designed insulated ducting system that offers long-lasting frost protection.
2. Core Drilling & Insulation:
• A core (110mm OD) is drilled through the wall, where the supply pipe will be installed.
• The core is then lined with twin-wall ducting and filled with insulated SHalloduct®.
3. No Mess, No Fuss:
• The system is installed neatly with minimal disturbance, allowing the job to be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the property’s exterior appearance.
Key Features and Stats:
Fast and Efficient:
• Replacement in under 2 hours, reducing downtime and disruption.
Thermal Protection:
• Frost protection to meet British Standard 5422 and Water Regulation (4).
Cost-Effective:
• No excavation, reducing the need for heavy machinery or additional labour costs.
Bespoke Solutions:
• Can handle up to three 32mm OD pipes, ideal for multi-occupancy buildings.
Results:
• Fast Installation: Projects that previously took several days are now completed in a matter of hours.
• Minimal Disruption: Householders experience minimal disturbance, leading to higher satisfaction.
The Future of Water Supply Replacement
INSUduct® not only addresses the immediate need to replace lead water pipes but also provides an opportunity to future-proof water supply systems.
In addition to pipe replacements, the system is now being integrated with surface-mounted water management systems and smart metering technologies like 5G and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
Conclusion: A Cost-Effective, Sustainable Solution
The installation of INSUduct® is transforming how water companies across the UK are tackling the legacy of lead pipes. With its innovative design, rapid installation time, and ability to minimize disruption, INSUduct® offers an effective solution to an ongoing problem, helping to improve water quality and safety in homes across the country.
For more information on how to implement INSUduct® in your next project, visit our installation guide.
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