Install new domestic water services

The Standard is about installing new domestic water services. This can apply to pipes with internal diameters up to and including 50mm.

This involves interpreting material requirements, producing and securing assemblies and any required insulation and liaising with plumbers. Assembly methods and techniques can include cutting, electrofusion welding, drilling and tapping or mechanical jointing on metallic or polyethylene (PE) materials or barrier pipes.

This Standard is for water network operatives who assemble pipes and fittings for new domestic services.

1. work in line with relevant health, safety, environment, water quality and other relevant regulations and guidelines at all times
2. verify required service inspection has taken place before commencing work
3. assess site conditions and interpret design documents to identify material requirements
4. check that approved materials are available, procuring them when required
5. carry out risk assessments at appropriate times
6. communicate relevant information to plumbers and other relevant people
7. assemble pipes and fittings in line with health, safety and environmental regulations and guidelines
8. assemble pipes and fittings in line with design and construction specifications, work instructions, assembly drawings and any other relevant specifications
9. make sure specified pipes and fittings are available and in a usable condition
10. check any pre-laid mains and service pipes are laid to the correct depth and have the appropriate marker tape
11. check house entry ducting is suitably insulated, internal stop valves are fitted and external pipework capped
12. check that polyethylene (PE) barrier pipe or suitable alternatives are used where ground is contaminated
13. use the correct type of pipe, fittings and components for the ground conditions
14. use appropriate methods and techniques to assemble pipes and fittings in their designated positions
15. secure pipes and fittings using specified connectors, securing devices and any required insulation
16. flush service to clear any debris or chlorinated water
17. check that finished assembly meets specification
18. follow water company processes for hygiene and testing when fitting domestic services
19. deal with problems within your control without delay
20. report problems you cannot solve to relevant people
21. report the completion of installations to relevant people

1. relevant health, safety environmental and other relevant legislation, organisational procedures and codes of practice including manual handling and use of equipment
2. water regulations and hygiene procedures related to ensuring the integrity and wholesomeness of water supplies, including the importance of personal hygiene
3. relevant information about quality standards and accuracy to be achieved from industry standards, manufacturers’ instructions and specifications, company procedures, codes of practice
4. how to interpret drawings, water company design and construction specifications and related specifications
5. the purpose of service inspections and how to verify they have occurred
6. how to carry out a site assessment
7. the purpose of risk assessments and when and how to carry them out
8. required materials and how to check they are compliant with water regulations
9. how to identify approved suppliers of materials
10. Materials for specific site requirements
11. how to interpret requirements for drain off points, stop valves and check valves
12. minimum and maximum depths for mains and service pipes and exceptions to these
13. marker tape requirements for mains and service pipes
14. types and complexity of assembly to be produced including screwed and compression
15. the types of barrier pipe
16. the characteristics of polyethylene (PE) barrier pipe and suitable alternatives
17. assembly methods and techniques to be used
18. the ground conditions necessary for barrier pipe to be used
19. the need for quality control procedures including how to ensure pipework is clear of debris and free from contamination
20. relevant types of handling equipment and procedures
21. preparation techniques for simple rigid and non-rigid pipe jointing
22. the tools and equipment required for assembly and the importance of looking after them
23. water company requirements for hygiene procedures and testing
24. the different insulation types and when they might be appropriate
25. the limits of your responsibility and approved procedures for resolving problems within your control
26. organisational reporting procedures and when and who to report to