Member Article

Replace lead pipes, says Auger

Market-leading independent drainage and water supply pipe specialist Auger - serving the UK-wide insurance industry - is calling for lead pipes to be replaced rather than repaired wherever possible.

The use of lead in water pipes has been banned since 1970 because of its harmful effects and government advice is that the public should ‘limit its exposure to lead from all sources, including drinking water.’

Now Auger wants the wider UK insurance industry to look more seriously at replacing not repairing as a principle which it believes will help insurers and end consumers.

Chris Cowen, client relationship manager for Auger, said: “We’re asking the wider insurance industry to support this initiative. This is dependent on both insurers and customers contributing financially, but is a far better use of the claim spend and reduces any risk for both parties.

“If insurers commit to it and offer a full replacement it means the pipe is fixed for the long-term, with fewer claims in the long run.

“For customers, the benefits are peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that there is no risk of harm from lead and that the supply will be clean and continuous for many years. It is win-win, but needs commitment and we’re asking insurers to be forward thinking.”

Around one third of all properties built before 1970 in the UK are believed to still contain some level of lead plumbing, with possible harmful effects including damage to kidneys, the circulatory system and the brain, with children and pregnant women most vulnerable.

Many claims for lead pipes end with a repair which can often lead to further leaks. New replacement pipes will usually be made of polyethylene, a plastic which will not degrade and should provide a supply without leaks for many years.

Auger’s team of insurance-related specialists is available to help with advice, tel 0151 630 5886 or email admin@auger.co.uk.

ENDS. NOTES TO EDITORS: About Auger:

Founded in 1994, Auger employs more than 90 people and has its headquarters at Wallasey on the Wirral as a specialist serving the insurance industry for drainage and water mains claims across the UK with more than 60 highly-qualified engineers on the ground.

Auger offers the market-leading DrainShield Certificate which guarantees work for 10 years and is approved by the WRC for Drainage Repair and Investigation. Auger’s water engineers are all approved by the Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS).

See Auger: www.auger.co.uk

**For further information, contact:**Ben Hewes or Paul Tustin, Freshfield T: 01772 888400 E: firstname@freshfield.com

ENDS.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Tustin .