How deep should the water mains be? MDPE

Martin Smith an emergency plumber explains about Water Mains (MDPE) and recent events that went on in Didsbury, South of Manchester where a customer was having there drive dug up then there was a burst pipe due to the water mains being too close to the service. Here are some similar questions asked.

What should the depth of MDPE be?
Can a qualified plumber fit MDPE? or What qualifications are required to fit a water mains pipe?
What does MDPE stand for?
What size does MDPE come in for domestic homes?
Does Main Water Pipe have to be protected?
What is the colour of MDPE (Water Mains Pipe)?
If upgrading water mains pipe, can I go to the mains stop valve in the road/pavement?
What are the best fitting’s for MDPE?
What is MDPE used for?
Where can I buy MDPE from?

What should the depth of MDPE be?

The depth of MDPE should be 750mm or 75cm. For those who don’t have a good vision will millimetres or centimetres, it is 3/4 of a metre.

Can a qualified plumber fit MDPE? or What qualifications are required to fit a water mains pipe?

There are no qualifications required by law to fit MDPE but to commission the pipe into use before the water board require to connect the final connect, you either have to be WIAPS Approved (Water Industry Approved Plumber) of wait about 10 days for the paperwork to be completed by a WIAPS inspector.

What does MDPE stand for?

Most people seem to thing MDPE would stand for Mains Direct Pipe but don’t know what the E stands for. The problem here is the people are far from wrong. MDPE really stands for is Medium-density polyethylene. Personal I think I would stick with the mains direct pipe.

What size does MDPE come in for domestic homes?

There are all types of sizes that the MDPE come in but the main size for a domestic house is 25mm. You may also come across 20mm MDPE.

Does Main Water Pipe have to be protected?

Mains water pipe should either be protected by sand or other soft material and not rubble. The trenches should be wide enough to detect any other pipes and should be a minimum of 350mm away from gas pipe, electricity and more. Any MDFE pipe can include MDPE fittings and must also be tested before use and back-filled.

What is the colour of MDPE (Water Mains Pipe)?

The colour of MDPE is blue however you may come across a black version which is no longer used due to a change in the regulations.

If upgrading water mains pipe, can I go to the mains stop valve in the road/pavement?

As a domestic plumber or a fitter of this pipe you must not go outside of the premises you are working on and must contact the water-board for them to come out and make final connections within a metre of the occupiers boarder.

What are the best fitting’s for MDPE?

All fitting for MDPE must pass a standard to be looked at as use-able, however as a personal preference Martin likes to use Plasson fitting’s.

What is MDPE used for?

MDPE is built for durability and is mainly used for underground, however you may find this type of pipe in commercial areas above ground.

Where can I buy MDPE from?

You can find MDPE fitting by searching buy MDPE fitting online or by going to the BES website and making an order. As a personal preference Martin Smith uses BES due the the cost saving that is made.

If you find yourself requiring an emergency plumber then give Martin a call who will put you onto a qualified plumber within your area.

Water Mains – MDPE