Shared Supply - Thames Water

Solari_2

Hi all,

My water supply comes through from next door and quite often when they are using the washing machine or other appliances, my pressure drops.

I want to replace the ancient boiler I have with an energy efficient one but am a bit concerned about drops in pressure upsetting it.

Just got off the phone to Thames Water and they put me onto the developer services website, however, they want a £200+VAT fee to accept an application, and can't give me any idea as to how much this would cost! I'm not a developer - this is my home! Or am I just getting confused?

EDIT: Also, the form I'm being asked to fill out seems really complex and geared towards development firms.... I get the feeling I'm being given the run around...

Has anyone else done this and how much would it cost assuming my water main is no more than 8 feet from my boundary (thinking it's in the middle of the road or down the pavement). What's confused me even more is that a colleague of mine has had this done for free by Southern Water.

Many thanks!

deanos

You really need to speak to them on the phone and ask for there advice (Developer Services)

If digging in the road it would be approx £1000, if you have a lead pipe they should connect for free thats probably why your friend was not charged, with both options you need to lay the pipe to the boundary and into your property

Solari_2

Thanks for that - about 1K for their work is manageable I think and worth it seeing as I don't want any issues with flow rate and a new boiler. The main is in the road, about 9ft from my boundary so hopefully they'll come back with a not-too-ridiculous price!

Solari_2

One question - what would happen if my neighbour requested a water meter? Wouldn't Thames Water be obliged to separate the supply themselves?

Sadly there's no way they'd want to go onto a meter but just interested in finding out...

macman

No, they would refuse the meter request because there is a dual supply.

deanos

It may cost more depending on the road, if its narrow road it will need a road closure notice which can cost up to £600, or it may need traffic lights if its a busy road which could add another £300-£300 , these costs will need to be added on top.

If your neighbour requested a meter it may be possible to fit an internal depending on the pipework

hotpot1000

Im currently considering getting a new seperate supply as Im on a common pipe with united utilities,
they call it lead and common supply pipe replacement scheme.
They will connect me free of charge, I need to sort a plumber to lay a pipe from their pipe and connect it to my stoptap in the house.

In jan there was a blockage on the shared supply and 2 houses with combi boilers upstairs were without heating as the pressure was not good enough to send water upstairs, once the pressure has dropped then the boiler wont work til it's got enough pressure to start.