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Connect water, gas & electric.
New service connections to mains — water, gas and electric — applications and excavation managed by groundworks.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any groundworks starts on service Connections (Water, Gas, Electricity).
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Itemised quotes from up to 3 local groundworkss on service Connections (Water, Gas, Electricity) — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.
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Long lead times
6-12 weeks per utility. Plan ahead.
Highway costs surprise
Excavation across road £200-£500/m. Plan.
3-phase electricity if needed
Heat pumps, large EV chargers, commercial use. Significant premium.
Service strikes
Hitting hidden services. Pre-dig surveys reduce risk.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Water connectionPer house
£500–£2.5k
Gas connectionIf gas available locally
£500–£3.5k
Electricity connection (single phase)Standard domestic
£1k–£4.5k
Electricity (3-phase commercial)For industrial
£2.5k–£15k
Underground cable run per metreProperty boundary
£40–£200
Highway excavation per metreCouncil fee + work
£200–£500
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Groundworks explained
New build needs water, gas (if used), and electricity connections to utility networks. Each utility has its own process and costs. Expect to pay £2,500–£15,000+ for UK new build service connections.
What Does the Work Involve?
Utility companies surveyed. New connections from main to property boundary. Property owner pays for boundary-to-building. Trenching and pipe/cable installation. Highway excavation if needed. Connection fees vary by company.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water connection | 500 | 2,500 | Per house |
| Gas connection | 500 | 3,500 | If gas available locally |
| Electricity connection (single phase) | 1,000 | 4,500 | Standard domestic |
| Electricity (3-phase commercial) | 2,500 | 15,000 | For industrial |
| Underground cable run per metre | 40 | 200 | Property boundary |
| Highway excavation per metre | 200 | 500 | Council fee + work |
| Standard 3-bed connections | 2,500 | 8,500 | Water + gas + electric |
How Long Does It Take?
Each utility: 6-12 weeks from application. Highway approval adds time. Total 2-6 months for all services.
DIY or Professional?
Utility company crews + specialist groundworker. Plumber for water indoor. Gas Safe for gas. Part P electrician for electric.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Utility companies (Thames Water, Cadent Gas, UK Power Networks etc). NFB member for groundwork. Specialist installer for indoor work.
UK Regulations
Each utility has own regulations. Water Industry Act. Gas Safety. Electrical regulations. Building Regs Part P. Highway authority approval for excavation.
Common Problems
- Long lead times: 6-12 weeks per utility. Plan ahead.
- Highway costs surprise: Excavation across road £200-£500/m. Plan.
- 3-phase electricity if needed: Heat pumps, large EV chargers, commercial use. Significant premium.
- Service strikes: Hitting hidden services. Pre-dig surveys reduce risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost as % new build?
Service connections: 2-5% of new build total. £200,000 home: £4,000-£10,000.
Order to get services?
Water + electricity essential for construction. Gas later if needed. Heat pump may not need gas at all.
Single or 3-phase electricity?
Standard domestic: single phase (16-32kVA). 3-phase for EV charging or heat pump heavy load. Premium cost.
Will utilities require their crew?
Yes — utility-owned connection. Property owner cannot use independent contractor for utility-side work.
Lead time for all utilities?
2-6 months total. Apply early in build process. Don't delay construction for utilities.
Pre-installed services?
Developer-built sites often have services pre-installed. Single-house self-builds: arrange yourself.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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