Supporting UK Developers in the Water Utility Journey
Dig & Connect provides new water connections focusing on London and the South East, with particular expertise in the Thames Water area. From initial enquiry through to installation, our experienced teams deliver a straightforward and reliable service for residential and commercial projects.
As a WIRS accredited contractor, we install water mains and service connections in full compliance with industry standards, ensuring works are delivered safely and to the required specifications for adoption. Our Constructionline Gold accreditation further demonstrates our commitment to quality, compliance and high standards across every project.
Whether you are delivering a single plot, or a development, we provide a practical and efficient approach to water connections, helping to keep your project moving and avoid unnecessary delays.
Why Use an Independent Contractor
Many developers and homeowners initially approach the water company for the area, such as Thames Water or Affinity Water, to obtain a quote for a new connection. While you will always require consent to content to their network, part of the works can usually be delivered by an accredited Self Lay Provider (SLP).
If you have already received a quote from a water company, the contestable elements of the works can typically be carried out by an accredited contractor, such as Dig and Connect.
Dig & Connect are a WRIS accredited Self Lay Provider, registered through LRQA and authorised to deliver water infrastructure projects. This means we can undertake the contestable works of your project before the relevant water authority adopts them.
Contestable works are the elements of a water connection an independent contractor can complete, for example installation of new water mains, service connections to individual plots, meters, testing chlorination and commissioning.
The benefits of appointing a Self Lay Provider can often be greater control over the timing of the works, coordination with other site works, a more streamlined and responsive service - especially when works are part of a multi-utility package.
If you have already received a quote from Thames Water, Affinity Water or another water authority, we can review the contestable elements and provide a quote for your works.
The Process
Advanced Enquiry Stage – The water company must be informed of the proposed infrastructure, in order to make sure that it can cover the property’s supply. The water company will then be giving the specifications as to the location of where the water main will be connected to the water company’s main network
Application – A formal application must be submitted to the major water company, together with the validated requirements of the proposed system
Design Stage – Depending on the agreed circumstances, our company or the water company will be furnishing a structural design that is optimal for the proposed water network. The water company will also be furnishing the necessary asset payments, together with further security charges and formal legal documentations
Notification of Self-lay – The water company must be formally informed of the main laying, upon completion of the necessary requirements in the Design Stage
Main Laying Installation – As specified, the design will be constructed by our firm, using the best technical equipment for water mains. The intended dates for testing must be notified to the water company, as well as the total project timeline
Main Laying Completion – Punch lists in relation to the new installation will be performed by the water company, with issued certificates upon qualification. Necessary asset payments will be done at this stage, and arrangements for connection will be initiated
Service connection – Once all regulations have been complied, applied and certified, the water supply will be installed by the water company
Protection and maintenance – We assure that our team will be conducting regular maintenance checks and protection to ensure that the installed water system is damage-free until the development of the property also reaches its completion stage
For enquiries, quotations and initial discussions on main laying and self-lay services, get in touch with us