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Disconnecting your supply
Introduction
There are several reasons you might need to disconnect your water supply, including renovations, demolition or extension work, relocating, replacing lead supply pipes, permanently closing a site, or transitioning to operations that no longer require an active water supply. By following a structured disconnection process, businesses can avoid unnecessary costs, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate a smooth transition. The below outlines the key steps and considerations involved in disconnecting a business water supply to ensure a seamless process.
Types of disconnections
Disconnections can be classified in different ways, with the most common types being permanent and temporary.
Permanent disconnection occurs when a connection to the water network is removed or made unworkable, meaning that water supply can only be restored through a new water connection. In this process, the Supply Point ID is deregistered, the pipework between the property and the mains is removed, and the open end is capped to prevent any water usage. To initiate the permanent disconnection, a written confirmation from the property owner is required. Should water be needed again, the business must request the replacement of the pipework and the re-establishment of the connection to the mains supply. Permanent disconnections typically come with a charge.
Temporary disconnection occurs when the water supply is temporarily turned off, and it can be subsequently reconnected without a new connection being made. In this case, your Supply Point ID is not deregistered, the supply pipe is left fully intact and capped off so that the water can’t be used. Temporary disconnections are typically free of charge.
Other types of disconnections include Disconnections for non-payment, Disconnections for breach of regulations and Disconnections for illegal use.
Disconnection for non-payment is the suspension of a non-household customer’s water supply due to unpaid charges, initiated by the retailer after exhausting all consumer protection measures. Your water supply may be disconnected due to unpaid invoices, but it will be reconnected promptly upon payment, with an additional reconnection fee applied.
Disconnection for illegal use is the termination of a water supply due to unauthorised or illegal connections, conducted without prior notice as part of regulatory enforcement.
Disconnection for breach of water regulations is the termination of a water supply due to violations of water fittings regulations that pose a risk of contamination, implemented to safeguard the integrity of the water network.
The process
For commercial properties, the disconnection is managed by the retailer and carried out by the wholesaler. Only the owner of the water supply can request a permanent disconnection. Businesses are not allowed to disconnect the water supply themselves, as this has to be done by the wholesaler, who have ownership over the meters and pipework.
To disconnect your supply, the first step is to submit an application with your contact details, business name, site address, supply information, site location plan and a desired disconnection date. Therefore, you can start by contacting our team through the website, phone, or email to discuss your disconnection requirements. Your dedicated account specialist will gather the necessary information from you and send the official application to your wholesaler.
After submission, a site survey is potentially arranged to locate the supply and assess the disconnection process, traffic management needs, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. It typically takes around a month for a water disconnection to take place after it is deemed feasible. The timeline can vary based on coordination with local authorities and any applicable traffic restrictions.
The wholesaler will disconnect your connection to the water main, usually located in the road, and you will need a plumber to remove the pipework within your property boundary. Disconnection will be carried out by excavating down to the water main and physically disconnecting the pipe. We ensure that all disconnections comply with relevant water industry standards and regulations to protect both your interests and environmental considerations. After the disconnection is processed, you will receive a final bill reflecting any outstanding charges up to the disconnection date.
If water is required on the site in the future, the owner will need to apply and pay for a new supply. Reconnection costs depend on several factors, including the pipe length and ground surface type. For temporary disconnections, you can reconnect to your supply at any time.
How can we help?
Whether due to property changes, business relocation, or a shift in operational needs, disconnecting your water supply is a straightforward process with The Water Retail Company. Our dedicated account managers are available to guide you through the disconnection process, answering any questions and handling the details to ensure a smooth transition. They are focused on providing reliable, transparent support every step of the way.
To begin the disconnection process, please visit our Online enquiry page, where our team is ready to assist you with each step to ensure the process is as seamless and straightforward as possible.