Despite long-standing regulation, it’s estimated that up to 10 million UK homes may still be connected by lead supply pipes. With tighter water quality standards and growing public health awareness, utilities and contractors face mounting pressure to modernise. But while the goal is clear, the route to compliance often isn’t – especially in space-restricted, built-up environments.
Full excavation to the recommended 750mm depth isn’t always achievable due to driveways, shallow plots or the presence of other services. Traditional methods can involve costly reinstatement, prolonged disruption and even restricted access into the home.
A recent installation by a contractor, using Groundbreaker Systems’ SHalloduct and INSUduct, offers a smarter alternative. By combining trenchless techniques with above-ground entry, the installer was able to deliver a fully compliant, lead-free upgrade without internal disruption or full-depth excavation.
Where depth restrictions applied, SHalloduct was used to provide both mechanical protection and insulation for supply pipes laid shallower than 750mm. From there, INSUduct enabled the new supply to be safely routed above the damp-proof course and into the property externally—avoiding disturbance to internal finishes and ensuring compliance with Water Regulations.
The result? A cleaner, faster, and more practical lead pipe replacement, achieved without compromise.
As the UK water sector works to accelerate lead replacement across millions of homes, this approach underscores a vital shift. Future-ready infrastructure depends not only on regulation but on solutions that balance compliance with constructability. By leveraging products like SHalloduct and INSUduct, installers can meet today’s standards while navigating the realities of modern construction environments.