Homeowners may have to pay to replace water pipes

Homeowners may have to pay hundreds of euro to replace water pipes that do not comply with regulations associated with the installation of meters over the next two years.

Pipes not buried deep enough to accommodate the meters, or those in poor condition, will have to be replaced when the meters are installed — and the homeowner is likely to have to foot most or, in some cases, all of the bill.

A survey of every water mains in the country is due to begin shortly. A public utility company, Irish Water, has been established and operates under the control of Bord Gáis.