Extend or modify pipework and connect an appliance to it in Nottingham
County: Nottinghamshire
⭐ Introduction
Extending or modifying pipework and connecting an appliance to it is a common job in many UK homes. Whether you are adding a new washing machine, replacing a boiler, or fitting a new kitchen appliance, sometimes the existing plumbing doesn’t quite match what’s needed. In such cases, pipework needs to be altered or extended so that your appliance works safely and efficiently.
This job is essential to ensure correct water supply and drainage, prevent leaks, and meet UK safety and building standards. It is often undertaken when renovating rooms, updating appliances, or improving home utilities. Understanding what’s involved helps you plan better and get the job done right.
🔧 What the job involves
At its simplest, this work means changing your current pipework layout and connecting it to your new or replacement appliance. Typically, a qualified plumber will:
- Isolate the water supply to avoid leaks and water damage.
- Remove or reroute existing pipes if needed.
- Extend pipework using suitable materials (usually copper, plastic, or flexible tubing).
- Fit the correct valves, connectors, and fittings ensuring everything is secure and watertight.
- Attach and connect the new appliance to the pipework, testing for proper function.
- Safely dispose of any waste materials.
Since plumbing affects your home’s water system and sometimes gas supply (if connected to boilers or gas appliances), the work must comply with UK regulations, including Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and, where relevant, Gas Safe requirements. Occasionally, Building Regulations confirmation or a Part P electrician may be needed if electrical connections or modifications overlap.
📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion
- Initial enquiry: Contact a reputable plumber to explain your needs and arrange a visit.
- Survey and quote: The plumber visits to assess existing pipework and appliance requirements, then provides a written estimate.
- Scheduling: Agree on a date for the work that suits your timetable.
- Preparation: You clear the work area to give the plumber easy access.
- Work day: The plumber arrives, isolates water/gas where needed, modifies/extents pipework, connects the appliance, and tests all connections carefully.
- Completion: They clean up and demonstrate the new setup to you.
- Paperwork: The plumber provides you with any necessary certification (e.g., Gas Safe certificate for gas appliance work) and instructions for use and maintenance.
💷 Main costs to expect
- Labour: Typical hourly rate £40–£60, depending on region and plumber’s experience.
- Materials and parts: Pipes, fittings, valves may cost £20–£100 or more depending on complexity.
- Appliance connectors: Flexible hoses or tailored connectors usually between £10–£30.
- Disposal: Removing old pipework or appliances can add £20–£50.
- Certification: Gas work certification (Gas Safe) usually included by qualified plumbers; written certification or Building Regulation notification may incur a small fee (£30–£50).
Simple example:
- Labour: 3 hours at £50/hour = £150
- Materials: £40
- Disposal: £30
- Certification: included
Total: approximately £220
📊 What affects the price
- Access to pipework (behind walls or under floors is harder and slower).
- Complexity of modification (simple pipe extension versus extensive rerouting).
- Type and material of pipe (copper is more expensive than plastic).
- Necessity of gas connections (requires Gas Safe plumber).
- Regulations requiring certification or inspection.
- Additional remedial work needed (e.g., repairing wall finishes).
- Location in the UK (London and SE tend to be pricier).
- Urgency or timing of the job (emergency or out-of-hours work costs more).
⏱ How long does it take?
- Simple pipe extension and appliance connection: 2–4 hours.
- More complex rerouting or multiple appliance connections: up to 1–2 days.
- If gas appliance connections are involved, allow extra time for safety checks and certification.
🏠 Can you DIY it?
While minor plumbing tasks may be manageable for confident DIYers (like fitting flexible hoses), extending or modifying pipework that involves cutting into existing pipes, jointing, or connecting gas appliances should be left to professionals. Incorrect work can cause leaks, water damage, or dangerous gas leaks.
Remember:
- Gas work must be done by Gas Safe registered engineers.
- Water connection modifications should follow Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.
- Building Regulations approval may be required.
- DIY mistakes can invalidate appliance warranties and home insurance.
💰 Typical UK price range
Expect to pay roughly £150 to £600 depending on job size and complexity. This is a broad guide and includes VAT at the standard 20% rate. Always get a written quote tailored to your situation.
✅ Handy tips before you start
- Prepare the area by moving furniture and clearing access to pipework and appliance spaces.
- Keep all paperwork, invoices, and certificates safely—they may be important for warranty purposes or future house sales.
- Ask your plumber for care advice and servicing schedules, especially for gas and heating appliances.
- Confirm with your installer if any Building Regulations notification or inspection will be carried out on your behalf.
- If unsure, always seek professional advice rather than risk faulty installations or breaches of regulations.
Other plumbers projects in Nottingham
-
Air Duct Cleaning
Air Duct Cleaning by a vetted local pro.
-
Backwater Valve
Backwater Valve by a vetted local pro.
-
Bar Sink
Bar Sink by a vetted local pro.
-
Bidet Toilet Installation
Bidet Toilet Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Cast Iron Waste Pipe Replacement
Cast Iron Waste Pipe Replacement by a vetted local pro.
-
Circulator Pump Replacement
Circulator Pump Replacement by a vetted local pro.
-
Clear blockage in Saniflo / macerator
Clear blockage in Saniflo / macerator by a vetted local pro.
-
Clear blockage in drain (including the u-bend or plughole)
Clear blockage in drain (including the u-bend or plughole) by a vetted local pro.
-
Digital Shower
Digital Shower by a vetted local pro.
-
Disconnect a plumbed-in appliance
Disconnect a plumbed-in appliance by a vetted local pro.
-
Dishwasher Installation
Dishwasher Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Do one hour’s plumbing work
Do one hour’s plumbing work by a vetted local pro.
-
Dog Shower Station
Dog Shower Station by a vetted local pro.
-
Drain Pipe Repair
Drain Pipe Repair by a vetted local pro.
-
Drain Survey
Drain Survey by a vetted local pro.
-
Drain Trap
Drain Trap by a vetted local pro.
-
Dual Flush Toilet
Dual Flush Toilet by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix High Water Pressure
Fixing High Water Pressure by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix Low Water Pressure
Fixing Low Water Pressure by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix a leak
Fix a leak by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix a leaking toilet
Fix a leaking toilet by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix a shower pump
Fix a shower pump by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix a shower which isn’t working correctly
Fix a shower which isn’t working correctly by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix a tap which isn’t working properly
Fix a tap which isn’t working properly by a vetted local pro.
-
Fix toilet flush problems
Fix toilet flush problems by a vetted local pro.
-
Garbage disposal Installation
Garbage disposal Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Greywater System
Greywater System by a vetted local pro.
-
Heated Towel Rail Installation
Heated Towel Rail Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Ice Maker
Ice Maker by a vetted local pro.
-
Install Grohe Boiling Hot or other filtered/boiling water tap
Install Grohe Boiling Hot or other filtered/boiling water tap by a vetted local pro.
-
Install a Shower Tray
Installing a Shower Tray by a vetted local pro.
-
Install a Steam Shower
Installing a Steam Shower by a vetted local pro.
-
Install a new outside tap
Install a new outside tap by a vetted local pro.
-
Japanese Toilet
Japanese Toilet by a vetted local pro.
-
Kitchen Tap Aerator
Kitchen Tap Aerator by a vetted local pro.
-
Macerator Toilet Installation
Macerator Toilet Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Move pipework
Move pipework by a vetted local pro.
-
Oil Tank Installation
Oil Tank Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Outdoor Drinking Fountains
Outdoor Drinking Fountains by a vetted local pro.
-
Outdoor Faucet
Outdoor Faucet by a vetted local pro.
-
Outdoor Kitchen Sink
Outdoor Kitchen Sink by a vetted local pro.
-
Outdoor Shower
Outdoor Shower by a vetted local pro.
-
Outdoor Tap Replacement
Outdoor Tap Replacement by a vetted local pro.
-
Plumb in an appliance (to existing pipework)
Plumb in an appliance (to existing pipework) by a vetted local pro.
-
Plumbing
Plumbing by a vetted local pro.
-
Power Flush
Power Flush by a vetted local pro.
-
Pressure Reducing Valve
Pressure Reducing Valve by a vetted local pro.
-
Radiator Replacement
Radiator Replacement by a vetted local pro.
-
Rainwater Harvesting System
Rainwater Harvesting System by a vetted local pro.
-
Repair Sewer Lines
Repairing Sewer Lines by a vetted local pro.
-
Repair a Burst Pipe
Repairing a Burst Pipe by a vetted local pro.
-
Repair a Collapsed Drain
Repairing a Collapsed Drain by a vetted local pro.
-
Repair a Garbage Disposal
Repairing a Garbage Disposal by a vetted local pro.
-
Repair a Sump Pump
Repairing a Sump Pump by a vetted local pro.
-
Replace a bath
Replace a bath by a vetted local pro.
-
Replace a shower (like for like)
Replace a shower (like for like) by a vetted local pro.
-
Replace a shower pump
Replace a shower pump by a vetted local pro.
-
Replace a sink
Replace a sink by a vetted local pro.
-
Replace a tap
Replace a tap by a vetted local pro.
-
Replace a toilet
Replace a toilet by a vetted local pro.
-
Replacing a Backwater
Replacing a Backwater by a vetted local pro.
-
Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse Osmosis System by a vetted local pro.
-
Septic Tank Repair
Septic Tank Repair by a vetted local pro.
-
Slow Draining Sink Repair
Slow Draining Sink Repair by a vetted local pro.
-
Smart Tap
Smart Tap by a vetted local pro.
-
Solar Hot Water System
Solar Hot Water System by a vetted local pro.
-
Thermostatic Shower Installation
Thermostatic Shower Installation by a vetted local pro.
-
Toilet Flange
Toilet Flange by a vetted local pro.
-
Toilet Gasket
Toilet Gasket by a vetted local pro.
-
Toilet Syphon Replacement
Toilet Syphon Replacement by a vetted local pro.
-
Unblock a toilet
Unblock a toilet by a vetted local pro.
-
Utility Sink
Utility Sink by a vetted local pro.
-
Washing Machine Repair
Washing Machine Repair by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Flow Meter
Water Flow Meter by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Hammer Arrestor
Water Hammer Arrestor by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Lines
Water Lines by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Pressure Gauge
Water Pressure Gauge by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Pressure Regulator
Water Pressure Regulator by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Pump
Water Pump by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Softeners
Water Softeners by a vetted local pro.
-
Water Treatment
Water Treatment by a vetted local pro.
-
Well Repair
Well Repair by a vetted local pro.
-
Whole House Water Filter
Whole House Water Filter by a vetted local pro.
-
Whole House Water Shutoff Valve
Whole House Water Shutoff Valve by a vetted local pro.
Are you a Tradesperson or business owner?
Grow your business with Fixington — tools and services for electricians, plumbers and heating engineers.
1) Fixington app
Estimate, schedule and invoice on the go with our iPhone app and web tools.
2) Fixdd job management
Manage jobs from quote to invoice, take card payments, and keep customers updated.
Visit fixdd.com3) Get listed on Fixington
Appear where customers are searching. Showcase reviews and get discovered locally.
Contact us