Hidden Pipework
Hidden Pipework | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Lancing
At HEP in Lancing, we specialise in revealing and renewing hidden pipework so your home’s circulatory system is as reliable as the rooms you live in. Using acoustic tracing, CCTV surveys and pinpoint wall scanners, our engineers locate corrosion, pin-hole leaks and inefficient layouts before replacing them with high-grade copper or PEX. The result? Cleaner water, stronger pressure and peace of mind that unseen problems won’t surface at the worst possible moment.
From Victorian terraces near the station to sleek new-builds on the Downs, every project is carried out with dust-free access panels, rapid reconnection and crystal-clear pricing. Homeowners love our tidy workmanship, while landlords appreciate the digital reports we supply for insurance and compliance. If you’re ready for quieter pipes, hotter showers and lower bills, let HEP’s Lancing team handle your pipe upgrades and feel the difference hidden behind the walls.
FAQs
What does “hidden pipework” mean and why is it beneficial for my Lancing property?
Hidden pipework refers to water, waste, or heating pipes that are routed out of sight—typically behind walls, under floors, or within boxed-in voids—rather than exposed along skirting boards or ceilings. Concealing pipes creates a cleaner, more attractive finish, protects pipes from accidental knocks, and can even help reduce heat loss on central-heating runs. In older Lancing homes, upgrading to hidden pipework also allows us to replace aging, narrow-bore pipes with modern, corrosion-resistant materials that improve flow rates and system reliability.
How do I know if my existing pipework in Lancing needs upgrading?
Common signs include frequent leaks, discoloured or metallic-tasting water, loud banging noises (water hammer), uneven heating, low water pressure, and visible corrosion on any exposed sections. If your house still has original galvanised steel or thin 8–10 mm microbore copper from the 1970s-90s, an upgrade is often recommended for efficiency and insurance purposes. We offer a free on-site survey in Lancing to inspect pipe condition, measure flow rates, and advise whether a targeted repair or full upgrade is the best value.
What pipe materials do you use for upgrades and are they WRAS-approved?
We mainly install full-bore copper or high-quality multilayer PEX-AL-PEX pipe, both of which comply with UK Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) standards. Copper is ideal for visible radiator tails and high-temperature zones, while PEX-AL-PEX offers flexibility and joint-free runs for concealed pipework, reducing the risk of future leaks. All fittings—press, push-fit, or soldered—are likewise WRAS-approved, giving you peace of mind on water safety and insurance compliance.
Will upgrading to hidden pipework mean ripping out walls and floors?
Not necessarily. While some access is required, we use inspection cameras and acoustic tracing to plan the least invasive routes. In many Lancing properties, we can lift small floorboard sections, chase shallow channels in plaster, or utilise existing service voids to feed new pipes. Where larger openings are unavoidable, we handle all making-good: re-boarding, plastering, and skirting replacement, leaving your décor as we found it—or better.
How long does a typical pipework upgrade take and will I lose water or heating for long?
A straight replacement of hot, cold, and heating circuits in an average three-bed house usually takes 3–5 working days. We phase the work so that you have at least one functioning WC and cold-water feed at the end of each day. Complete shut-offs for cutting in new mains or boiler connections are limited to short, pre-agreed windows (typically 1–2 hours). For larger homes or complex layouts, we provide a detailed programme with daily milestones before work starts.
What warranty and after-care do you provide on hidden pipework installations?
All our pipe upgrades in Lancing come with a 10-year workmanship guarantee, backed by public liability insurance. Copper and PEX-AL-PEX pipes carry manufacturer warranties of 25–50 years when installed to spec. After completion, we issue a completion certificate, test sheets (pressure and flow), and maintenance tips. If you experience any issue within the guarantee period, call us and we’ll prioritise a free inspection and remedial work. Optional annual service plans are also available for continued peace of mind.