A guide to laying new pipes and plumbing

This guide will look at some of the things to consider when laying new pipes or plumbing.

Is laying new pipes or plumbing something I can do myself?

Depending on the size of the project, you may be able to save a lot of money by doing plumbing work yourself, however this carries the very real risk of you making a mistake and causing damage that will cost more time and money for a plumber to put right. So always hire a plumber to lay new pipes or plumbing, especially for complicated work involving removing flooring and concrete.

How much does it cost to install pipes?

You will need to lay new pipes and install plumbing if you are building a new property, if your existing plumbing is in bad shape or if your pipes have burst completely. Depending on the size of the project, plumbing prices will vary from each professional you contact, so it is beneficial to get a variety of quotes before going with just one person to lay your new pipes and plumbing.

• Burst pipes – £300 – you can expect to be charged around £300 if you are laying a new pipe because your original pipe has burst. This is quite a large project to undertake, taking into account clearing up the damage which the burst pipe caused as well.
• Central heating pipes – £80 – occasionally you may find that you need to install a new central heating pipe. These are small, usually copper pipes which need to be installed by a professional.
• Installing new radiator pipes – £250 – installing radiator pipes can be quite a difficult project to undertake, which is why you can expect to pay quite a lot for this project to be finished.
• Frozen pipes – £110 – during the winter months it is common for pipes to sometimes get frozen. Depending on the size of the pipe, it is essential that the pipe gets re-laid as soon as possible.

Is there anything more to know when installing new pipes and plumbing?

In special circumstances, you may need to contact your local water board for advice and to come and have a look at the project that needs to be done. For example, a very large project such as laying a new water supply pipe will require you calling out the local water board to check over the area prior to commencing work. However, this can also be seen as a good thing, as many representatives from the water board will be able to give you advice on which plumber to choose to do the work you need on your pipes and plumbing.

Laying new pipes and plumbing can be an exhausting project to undertake. But with the appropriate planning and recognising if you need a professional plumber involved then you should have no problems installing new pipes and plumbing in your home.