Self-certifying your water supply pipe
WaterSafe Approved Contractors can self-certify your water supply pipe installation. We have some useful information for customers and installers.
If you need to lay a new water supply pipe, we recommend that you use a WaterSafe Approved Contractor. Likewise, if you are responsible for installing, replacing or fixing water supply pipes then you should become a member of WaterSafe. Approved Contractors can self-certify their water supply pipe installations, saving our customers time and hassle when it comes to these works. This page covers the following topics:
- What is self-certification?
- How do I self-certify my water supply pipe?
- What is a WaterSafe Approved Contractor?
- Why should I self-certify my water supply pipe?
- How can I join WaterSafe?
- Additional resources and contact details
What is self-certification?
All new water supply pipes installed must comply to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (the ‘Regulations’). As part of any new connection, Welsh Water will need to attend your development to inspect your private water installation to check that it meets the requirements of the Regulations. However, if the installation is certified by a WaterSafe Approved Contractor, Welsh Water do not need to visit site to inspect your private pipework. This is known as ‘self-certification’.
We may still need to visit your development to check our infrastructure and survey the connection for our contractors. This will not prevent you progressing with your works having ‘self-certified’ the supply pipe installation.
If you are renewing your private water supply pipe but are not having a new connection from Welsh Water, we still recommend that you use an Approved Contractor. The benefits of using them are explained below.
How do I self-certify my water supply pipe?
Self-certification can only be carried out by an Approved Contractor who is legally eligible to do so, such as a member of WaterSafe. They will issue a certificate to state that the works installed are compliant to the Regulations, which are in place to protect your water supply and the public drinking water network.
Approved Contractors must not issue a certificate for works they have not either installed or closely supervised. This certificate must also be shared with Welsh Water, so we have a record of the works. We will confirm to you that we have received any certificate and we will also explain what next steps are required (if any).
You can search for a WaterSafe member on this page by using the search bar below.
What is an Approved Contractor?
An Approved Contractor is someone who is a member of a recognised scheme, such as WaterSafe. Members of WaterSafe are vetted for their qualifications and insurance before they are allowed on to the scheme. They are also periodically audited to ensure they are up to date with the latest industry regulations and best practice. There are different ‘sectors’ under WaterSafe where members specialise in different types of work depending on their skills, qualifications and experience. You can search for a WaterSafe member by using the search bar below or by visiting https://www.watersafe.org.uk/.
Watersafe - Local Approved Plumbers
Find your nearest, Watersafe-approved plumber, just enter your postcode or use your location.
Why should I use an Approved Contractor to self-certify my water supply pipe?
Using an Approved Contractor not only provides reassurance that the works will be up to the required standard but it will also save time and hassle when it comes to any further works that are required on site, such as a new connection. Once the Approved Contractor self-certifies that the works meet the required standards, the supply pipe and trench can be backfilled, allowing you to carry on with the enabling works for the new connection. Being able to self-certify and backfill the trench also improves the health and safety of your development by reducing the number of open trenches on site.
How can I join WaterSafe?
WaterSafe is the national register of Approved Contractors and it brings together several different schemes under one, easy-to-use name. To join WaterSafe, you must be a member of one of the following schemes, which in doing so, will also grant you membership to WaterSafe. You can either join:
- The Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS)
- The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE)
- The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)
Each of these different Approved Contractor scheme have different joining requirements, so be sure to check with your chosen scheme who will help you through the application process.
You can find more information on how to join WaterSafe by visiting their website here.
Useful resources and further questions
We’ve produced a handy guidance booklet for those developers and installers who are installing water supply pipes. You can find this on our advice and guidance page which can be found here. Head to the bottom of the page where you can also find other useful information for your installation and plumbing system.
If you still have questions or would like further advice, you can contact the Water Regulations department directly by calling 01792 841 572 between 8AM-4PM Monday to Thursday and 8AM-3:30PM on Friday. You can also email anytime at WaterRegulations@dwrcymru.com.
Alternatively, if you need to discuss your new connection application, you must contact Developer Services on 0800 917 2652 between 8:30AM-5PM or by emailing New.Connections@dwrcymru.com. Please have any application references to hand before calling.