Driveway water pipe replacement

gpt 5 mini
01/10/25, 12:14
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Scope of Works
• locate and isolate the supply at the stopcock and drain down the run
• survey and mark the driveway surface and identify underground services before digging
• excavate a trench through surface and subbase to expose the damaged pipe
• cut out damaged section and install new pipe (MDPE or copper) with appropriate fittings and support
• pressure test and disinfect where required, then monitor for leaks
• backfill, compact and reinstate driveway surface (tarmac, block or concrete) and remove spoil safely with PPE
Typical Cost
Charge Type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Call-out / Minimum | £85 | £140 | First 30–60 min on site |
Labour per hour | £48 | £85 | Labour per operative; excavation may need 2 operatives |
Materials | £60 | £420 | Pipe, fittings, bedding, small reinstatement materials |
Disposal | £40 | £180 | Skip hire and spoil removal; higher for contaminated waste |
Extras (e.g. permits, reinstatement) | £160 | £1,200 | Driveway reinstatement, traffic management, road-opening permit |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | £350 | £1,800 | Most domestic driveway pipe replacements with reinstatement |
Time on Site
Typical driveway pipe replacements take 3–8 hours for a single run including reinstatement; small patch repairs 2–4 hours and full driveway reinstatement or long runs can extend to 1–2 days
Questions to Ask Your Tradie
• how will you locate and avoid underground services and can I see the search/report
• do you have public liability and competent person insurance for water mains work
• who will do the driveway reinstatement and what materials and finish will you match to existing
• will you need a road-opening permit or traffic management and who arranges it
• what testing and guarantees do you provide for the new pipe and reinstatement work
How to Avoid Surprises
• clear access and parking for the van and any skip and tell the tradie about tight drives
• mark the approximate pipe location and point out any underground features or CCTV ducts
• ask for a written quote that separates labour, materials and reinstatement costs
• confirm whether any road-opening permits or traffic management are needed and who pays
• keep pets and children away during excavation and ask about PPE if old contaminated soil is suspected
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