Mains Pipe

[mastercraft]

Is it within regulations to run a plastic mains pipe up an external wall - boxed in and insulated?

[Zacs-Master]

Water or electric or gas?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

I cant see a problem mc.........Zacs ..what is an electric pipe?

[mastercraft]

Sorry, I was in a rush - water.

I have boxed in many external mains water pipes in the past. Only, the last was about 12 years ago and I wondered if the Reg's had changed.

Many thanks for your replies.

[Canary42]

Electric mains are usually contained in a pipe where they enter a property.

[Canary42]

I hope an experienced plumber (or similar) answers your question - I just tried looking at the Water Regulaions website ( https://www.wras.co.uk/consumers/advice_for_consumers/what_are_the_water_regulations_/ )but there's lots to go through and I didn't find an obvious place to look. And regional water companies seem to have their own additional regs.

Good luck.

[malagabob]

As far as I know it's no problem. But remember you are responsible for any pipe work from the main stop tap ( not necessarilly located in the footpath ) at your boundary. You may have to fit a additional SC and non return valve.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Canary...the pipe you refer to is called a 'hockey stick'.

[The Builder]

MC... if it's your incoming main supply, then Water Companies insist that the pipework is around 750mm deep as it enters the house. It then rises to the stopcock position.

For any runs after the main has reached the stopcock, then it's really up to you to protect from freezing and/or damage as you see fit. Boxed in and insulated would be fine.

One way is to leave the cover off the duct, and squirt expanding foam around the pipework. Carve off the excess, and fit the cover. Don't just rely on that foam pipe lagging stuff. It invariably has exposed joints and corners.

[mastercraft]

Having spoke with Thames Water this morning, it is indeed within the reg's to run the mains pipe externally from their stop cock. And yes, all liability thereafter lies with me - which is fine.

Just glad we didn't have to run it internally, as that would have caused major disruption & destruction.

Thanks all.