Mains Renewal Process
The mains renewal process is carried out in 3 STAGES:
STAGE 1 – depending on the size of the task, this can take up to 12 weeks.
A new main is installed in parallel to the existing main. This is carried out by one of the four methods illustrated below. The surfacing is temporarily reinstated. The new main will then be pressured tested (to check for leaks), and sterilised.
Only when we have checked for water quality will we move to STAGE 2. This can take a number of days during which time there is often little or no activity on site.
STAGE 2 – this element of work is generally carried out in less than 1 hour.
The communication pipe supplying your house is transferred to the new main. What is your communication pipe, click here.
It is only when we have transferred all customers to the new main, which may take a number of days, that we will move on to STAGE 3. In some cases there may be a delay of weeks before we return to site to carry out the permanent reinstatement.
STAGE 3 – depending on the size of the task, this can take up to 12 weeks.
The old main is disconnected and later all the temporary surfaces are permanently reinstated. The mains renewal is complete.
Click here for our leaflet Improvements to Your Water Supply.
We carry out mains renewals using four techniques, with the aim being to carry out the works as economically as possible whilst causing the least disruption to the public. These are;