Frequently Asked Questions
Part 1 – Installation:
Q. Do I need any special tools to install Groundbreaker & INSUduct?
A. No, a standard drill and bits should be more than enough, if you are to use option 1 – through the wall, you may require a 75mm dia core drill bit.
Q. How can I save on building costs?
A. By plumbing directly through the wall as described in ‘Installing Groundbreaker’, you cut out under floor ducting and pipes, plumb internally from the cloakroom basin instead of under the kitchen sink, your water company will often discount water connection charges by using Groundbreaker.Q. How do I protect pipes leading to and from Groundbreaker?
A. INSUduct.Q. Which Water Companies accept Groundbreaker?
A. Because of our WRAS Approval, all Water Companies accept the product and in many cases recommend its usage.
If in any doubt, please consult with your local water company.
Q. Does Groundbreaker comply with Water Bye Laws and Water Regulations?
A. YES, Groundbreaker is fully compliant with all current legislation. Water Regulations Approval No. 0012129, (Cert. No. ETC/123/1200). For further information, please email with your query to steveleigh@groundbreaker.co.uk
Part 2 – Applications
Q Where can I install Groundbreaker?
A. Any accessible aspect of the building or outbuilding, even post mounted if required.
Q. I’m building on “contaminated” ground, is Groundbreaker suitable?
A. Groundbreaker is fully compatible with all barrier pipe systems, no other equipment required. The system is often recommended by a water company for this quality.
Q. Can Groundbreaker & INSUduct be used on existing properties?
A. Yes, The system is designed to offer a “retrofit” solution to new and existing properties, without the need to dig up floors etc. for example replacement of leaking pipes or old lead pipes.
Q. Can Groundbreaker & INSUduct save time in replacing / repairing water services?
A. Yes, Our contractors tell us that they can do in two hours what used to take two days and with no inconvenience to the homeowner.
Q. Can I use Groundbreaker for meter options?
A. Emphatically YES, please email for further details steveleigh@groundbreaker.co.uk
Q. Can a water meter cut my water charges?
A. Often yes, and is the only fair way of paying for water services, please consult with your local water company.
Q. Can Groundbreaker be used on caravan sites?
A. Yes, the ability to be fully insulated and post mounted means that the system can be used to measure water services as required by law even on caravan sites.
Q. Can Groundbreaker & INSUduct be used on farms?
A. Yes, the ability to be fully insulated and post mounted means that the system can be used to measure water services to troughs and out buildings.
Part 3 – Maintenance:
Q. How do I control water in my house?
A. Simply plumb out as you would do conventionally, with control valve and drain down but under the cloakroom basin rather than kitchen sink.
Q. As Groundbreaker is mounted outside, is it resistant to freezing?
A. YES, Groundbreaker is tested and certified as being able to resist temperatures as low as minus 13oC for more than 10 days. It is certified as meeting (and exceeding) Water Industry Standards (WIS) 4-37-01 (Cert. No. ETC/123/1200).
Q. What if I get a water leak in the house?
A. You have control by your internal valve as mentioned above, plus the control valve in Groundbreaker if required.
Q. What if Groundbreaker leaks?
A. Each Groundbreaker is factory tested to 16 bar/224 Lbs per square inch. Any leakage is likely to be from the joints leading into or out of the unit, or perhaps even from the water meter. Leakage can also be as a result of the connections or water meter not having been correctly fitted, in which case please contact your Water Authority asap.
Part 4 – General:
Q. What is Groundbreaker made of?
A. The shell of Groundbreaker is made of reprocessed polyethelyne, and is designed to be maintenance free so no painting is required.
Q. Is Groundbreaker available in different colours?
A. To keep our prices to an absolute minimum, we only offer Groundbreaker in one standard colour (ala Henry Ford), this is designed to have low visual impact. However you can paint Groundbreaker with good quality gloss paint.
Q. From where do I get Groundbreaker?
A. Groundbreaker is obtainable either by direct sales through Steve Leigh & Associates Limited or from approved distributors throughout the UK (see contact us page or order online).
Q. What is the ‘Shelf Life’ of the unused Groundbreaker?
A. As each unit is shrink-wrapped, its ‘shelf life’ is indefinite, but realistically, you should order and expect to use all units within a given phase or development within 12 months.
