Uploaded November 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video explains what to consider before you start any building work on your new project.
This is to make sure that water and wastewater supplies are not impacted by any work on or around our pipes.
00:00 Overview
00:50 Search maps of our pipe network
01:09 Contact us for early conversations
01:55 Carrying out trial holes
So, if you’re planning a small project or a large one, it’s really important to check if it could affect our network.
Our pipes can vary in size and be made of different materials. Before you carry out any work, please follow these 3 simple steps.
You’ll first need to find out the precise location of our drainage and water mains within your development before you start any work. You can do this by buying maps of our network by going to our property searches website.
Once you’ve searched our maps for your development site, you should see how close your work will be to our water mains or sewers.
You should then contact us to discuss how your development could affect our pipes and how we can support you.
If you are planning significant work, it’s important that you take precautions to minimise any risk.
We will provide advice on how you can carry out your work to prevent delays on site.
Early conversations can help make sure your work goes smoothly.
For us to assess your development and the impact on our pipes we will need between 4-6 weeks’ notice depending on the complexity.
Once you’ve confirmed where the pipes are running through your site, you may need to dig in the location to determine the route and depth of the pipe before any on site work can begin. These are known as trial holes.
Trial holes can be carried out by competent individuals but prior consent must be provided by UU. Before you start you must make sure that:
1. A risk and method statement has been submitted
2. We have reviewed the method statement
3. We consent to carrying out the works
It may be possible for the assets to remain in situ depending on your proposals. We can discuss this further with you and explain the protection measures you will need to adhere to. United Utilities preferred solution is to work with you so your development can continue with the least disruption to our network.
*Please note in certain situations you may need to pay for a diversion
So, if you're planning works over or near to one of our water mains or sewers anywhere in the North West, contact us so we can work with you to make sure it goes to plan.
Please call 0345 072 6067 or email developerserviceswater@uuplc.co.uk
This video explains what to consider before you start any building work on your new project.
This is to make sure that water and wastewater supplies are not impacted by any work on or around our pipes.
00:00 Overview
00:50 Search maps of our pipe network
01:09 Contact us for early conversations
01:55 Carrying out trial holes
So, if you’re planning a small project or a large one, it’s really important to check if it could affect our network.
Our pipes can vary in size and be made of different materials. Before you carry out any work, please follow these 3 simple steps.
You’ll first need to find out the precise location of our drainage and water mains within your development before you start any work. You can do this by buying maps of our network by going to our property searches website.
Once you’ve searched our maps for your development site, you should see how close your work will be to our water mains or sewers.
You should then contact us to discuss how your development could affect our pipes and how we can support you.
If you are planning significant work, it’s important that you take precautions to minimise any risk.
We will provide advice on how you can carry out your work to prevent delays on site.
Early conversations can help make sure your work goes smoothly.
For us to assess your development and the impact on our pipes we will need between 4-6 weeks’ notice depending on the complexity.
Once you’ve confirmed where the pipes are running through your site, you may need to dig in the location to determine the route and depth of the pipe before any on site work can begin. These are known as trial holes.
Trial holes can be carried out by competent individuals but prior consent must be provided by UU. Before you start you must make sure that:
1. A risk and method statement has been submitted
2. We have reviewed the method statement
3. We consent to carrying out the works
It may be possible for the assets to remain in situ depending on your proposals. We can discuss this further with you and explain the protection measures you will need to adhere to. United Utilities preferred solution is to work with you so your development can continue with the least disruption to our network.
*Please note in certain situations you may need to pay for a diversion
So, if you're planning works over or near to one of our water mains or sewers anywhere in the North West, contact us so we can work with you to make sure it goes to plan.
Please call 0345 072 6067 or email developerserviceswater@uuplc.co.uk
