Water Mains Replacement Basingstoke - Old Pipe Upgrades and Burst Pipe Repairs

The cost of replacing a mains water pipe can vary widely depending on your property. Factors such as the length of the pipe, how accessible the route is, and whether trenchless methods like moling are needed all influence the final price. For many homes, a complete mains replacement typically falls in the low-thousands, often around £2,500–£3,000, especially where the pipe run is long or the ground conditions are more challenging.

Smaller repairs usually cost less, but every property is different, so the most reliable way to get a clear figure is to request a free quote or arrange a site survey. A site visit allows us to assess your layout, access points, and pipe condition and provide a tailored, accurate quote rather than a rough estimate.

Fixing a broken water pipe underground in the UK can vary quite a bit in cost because every property is different. For smaller, straightforward repairs, you might pay a few hundred pounds. But if the damage is deeper underground, harder to access, or the pipe needs a longer section replaced, the price can rise into the low thousands.

Most homeowners typically see costs anywhere between £500 and £2,000, depending on how severe the leak is and the method required to fix it. Trenchless options like moling can affect the price too, but they often reduce disruption.

The time it takes to fix a burst water main in the UK can vary, but most repairs are completed within a few hours to a full day depending on the situation.

For straightforward bursts that are easy to reach, engineers can often repair the pipe in 2–4 hours. If the pipe is deeper underground, underneath hard surfaces, or requires a longer replacement section, the job may take most of the day.

If the pipe has become out of shape due to pressure, age, or ground movement, engineers may need to carry out pipe rerounding before installing a new section or inserting a pipe liner. This involves reshaping the existing pipe back to a round form, which adds a little time to the job — usually an extra hour or two, depending on the condition and length of pipe affected.

Trenchless methods like moling can also speed up the process by reducing how much digging is needed.

You can sometimes carry out very small, temporary fixes yourself — but you shouldn’t rely on them as a long-term solution. For example, wrapping a leaking pipe with tape or fitting a temporary clamp might slow the leak down, but it won’t fix the problem properly and usually won’t last.

When it comes to a burst water main or any underground pipe, the answer is no — it’s not something you can safely or effectively repair yourself. These pipes carry your main water supply, and repairing them requires specialist tools, proper fittings, and knowledge of regulations. A DIY attempt can:

Most homes only need to be repiped once every 40–70 years, depending on the type of pipes they were built with and how well they’ve been maintained.

Different materials have different lifespans:

• Copper pipes: around 50–70 years

• PEX / plastic pipes: around 40–50 years

• Galvanised steel pipes: 40–60 years, but often fail sooner due to corrosion

• Lead pipes: should be replaced as soon as possible, regardless of age

You may need to repipe sooner if you experience issues such as:

• Low water pressure

• Rust-coloured or discoloured water

• Frequent leaks

• Noisy pipes

• Old lead or steel pipework

In many cases, homeowners only repipe once in their lifetime. The best way to know is to have a professional inspect the condition of your existing pipework.