When you own a commercial or residential building, you are in charge of everything. The comfort of your tenants is important, and one way you can ensure that they are as comfortable as possible is to have the correct water supply installed. Plumbing and electricity are both integral to the running of your building, no matter the use of the building.
Applying for a new or replacement water supply is a big thing to do, but you need to think about a few things before you go for it. You should consider speaking to the right drilling contractor before you do anything, but we’ve also got a range of things to think about before you take on such a job. Let’s take a look at what you need to do before you apply for a new supply:
- You need to have a plumber or a contractor to do the work. You’re responsible for getting this right, as your water supply needs to be intact to ensure that you are meeting your compliance responsibilities with your insurance company. You are responsible for laying any pipelines, and the right drilling contractor will be able to help. Make sure the company you choose is approved to do it, as then you won’t need an inspection by the water company who comes to connect the rest.
- It’s important to know the size of the pipe you need for your water connection. You should ask your plumber or contractor about this before you apply for a new supply – this will speed things along and ensure that you have exactly what you need for plumbing and water success. Most residential properties have 25mm water connections, so a standard boundary box and meter will be supplied to serve domestic properties.
- Have an idea of the nearest water main to connect to before you apply for your extension. Your property search provider should be able to help you with the nearest site, and this will help you with your application.
- It’s important to get the permission that you need to cross any third party land to lay any new service pipes. It’s your responsibility as a building owner to think about this and you will be responsible for setting meetings to get that permission. If you have the pipework laid correctly, you’re going to have a water connection that works for some time. You need to look at who the locals are and get to know who to ask for the right to cross lands.
- Lastly, you should have an idea in mind of when you need your water connection to be completed. As a landlord and owner, you should be looking to get this done as quickly as possible. Your tenants (both residential or business) will be better off if your water supply is up and running. You may not be able to have anyone in the building without it.
Your water supply needs to be installed by the pros, so work on how to get that done ASAP!
