WIRS accredited water main design, installation, and adoption for residential developments. We manage the full self-lay process with Severn Trent Water.
Every water main installation follows a clear, auditable sequence. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.
USP produces an IDS-compliant design for the new water main, covering pipe routing, pipe sizing, materials specification, service connection positions, and depth of cover. This design is submitted to Severn Trent Water for approval as part of the self-lay agreement process. The self-lay agreement is a formal legal document between the developer and Severn Trent that commits the developer to build to the required standard and commits Severn Trent to adopt on satisfactory completion. USP manages the agreement process on your behalf and ensures the design is approved before groundworks begin.
Once the design is approved and the self-lay agreement is in place, USP mobilises its WIRS-accredited installation team. MDPE blue pipe up to 63mm diameter is installed in a shared utilities trench at the correct depth of cover (750mm to 900mm depending on location). For larger diameter mains, HPPE pipe is used. All fittings are WRAS approved and comply with the Water Fittings Regulations 1999. Joints are made using electrofusion welding by qualified welders holding current competency certificates. Individual MDPE service pipes are run from the new main to each plot boundary stop tap.
On completion of installation, USP carries out a hydraulic pressure test of the new main in accordance with Severn Trent technical requirements. The main is then chlorinated to disinfect all pipework and fittings. Following chlorination, the main is flushed and bacteriological samples are taken and submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Two rounds of sampling are typically required. USP manages the entire testing and sampling programme and submits all results to Severn Trent as part of the adoption documentation pack.
On receipt of satisfactory bacteriological sampling results, USP submits the full adoption documentation pack to Severn Trent Water. This includes pressure test records, chlorination certificates, sampling results, welder qualifications, and as-built drawings. Severn Trent carries out a site inspection and, when satisfied, formally adopts the new main into its asset register. The typical timeline from installation completion to formal adoption is 4 to 8 weeks. Once adopted, individual plot meters can be installed by the supplier and properties can be connected to the live supply.
Every water main we install is pressure tested, chlorinated, sampled, and formally adopted by Severn Trent before handover.
The critical parameters that govern every residential water main installation.
End-to-end capability from a single WIRS-accredited provider.
Every water connection we deliver meets the highest industry standards. Worker safety, public safety, environmental responsibility, and project compliance from planning to sign-off.
50 Google Reviews
I contacted USP and within minutes had a chat with Justin who described exactly how the job would be done and provided a comprehensive quote including labour and materials and was able to start the work in just 7 days. Justin and his team were brilliant and did an amazing job. I can highly recommend USP.
Jack and Joel were absolutely amazing this morning and really put themselves out to dig a hole without having to dig another hole in my drive. More work for them but one happy customer.
From the initial quote through to work completion, Justin and his work partner were a mix of professional, knowledgeable, good-humoured, and clear in all explained (I felt an instant ease to agree to the work). The work itself was excellent and they left the place immaculate!
George and Jack come out today to move a gas meter. It wasn't a straightforward job, but they both took time to talk me through what they were doing and what the next steps are. Very friendly and polite and thought about the needs of our family.
Jack and George are great.
Bang on time, completed the work perfectly, no issues. Left the meter really neatly finished. Jack and Joel were very courteous and did a great job.
George and Jack turned up and did a first class job, very friendly and professional. Great job lads.
Jack and Joel were brilliant. Very polite, worked to my highest expectations. Left the area as clean and tidy, as was possible. And explained every step of the process to me, answering any questions I had.
Fantastic work from Jack and Johl.
Tell us about your project and we will send you a free, no-obligation water connection plan within 24 hours.
Prefer to talk? Call 024 7542 6505 for immediate service.