The water to your home is provide by a large system of pipework that sits underground, and originates at your local or regional water supplier or authority.

This water is subject to strict scrutiny and has to adhere to their own rules and regulations with regards to cleanliness and purity. The term for this water in the industry is ‘Potable’ (not portable). The term is from the Latin word for drinkable which is ‘Potabilis’ so you supplier actually takes it the whole water issue very seriously. The water is subject to filtration, chlorination and treated with fluoride (this helps in the reduction of tooth decay).

The Main Trunk:
The main water supply systems are known as ‘Trunk’ systems and are laid underground and feed the local mains. Feltham Plumbers understand how these systems work. The mains supply for your property is down at a depth to make sure that there is no affects from traffic or very cold weather. These pipe systems were once made from asbestos cement or cast iron in, but today it is plastic. You will see these pipes now and again when new ones are being laid. There is an isolating valve that connects the various services so that they can be isolated individually, so a supply to a new house can be made without affecting any other buildings or homes. This water pipe is then routed underground from the isolating valve to the property’s boundary, to an outside stop valve.

Service Pipe:
A vertical pipe (or chamber) is fitted so that the valve can be accessed for service and maintenance. The chamber should be clearly marked. From the stop valve the supply runs towards the property and is called the service pipe (which is medium density polyethylene or MDPE), for which the homeowner has the ownership. This (service) pipework runs under the house and in through a water meter either fitted outside or inside. This pipe must be insulated at all exposed points. A Feltham Plumber has all the knowledge and skill to work on this system.
“