My Supply
Water pipe responsibility
It’s important to understand who’s responsible for fixing and replacing your water pipes, especially if something goes wrong. Find out who manages the pipework - and who to contact if you have any trouble.
Responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the water and waste network is split between the water company and private land owners.
Fundamentally, the water company – that’s us – is responsible for any water pipes and infrastructure on public land, up to the external stop tap where your home is connected to the network. We look after water meters too, whether they’re inside or outside your home.
Home-owners are responsible for most pipes, drains, sewers and manholes within private property boundaries.
As the consumer of water at a property, you are responsible for repairing and maintaining any water pipes connecting the home to our water network.
This includes pipes running inside and outside the home, within the property boundary. The external stop tap usually marks the edge of the boundary.
If you rent your home, your landlord or letting agent may be responsible for these pipes. Check your tenancy agreement or speak to your letting agent or landlord to confirm this.
Your water pipes were probably laid at the time your home was built, and may not have been replaced since, so it's important you protect your pipes. If you live in a Victorian terrace house, for example, your pipes could have been installed over 100 years ago.
We're responsible for the water mains in the road and the pipes that go up to the external stop tap. We also maintain and repair external stop taps and water meters.
Whether your water meter is inside your home or outside your property, we are responsible for maintaining this for you.
As your water company, we have a repsonsibility to save water. It's a precious resource, and is vital to each and every one of us.
We need to make sure we protect water for everyone, so we're always working hard to find and fix leaks on our network, whether thats through amazing technology or problems reported to us by you.
If you encounter a problem in a public space, such as a leak on a road or pathway, that will be our responsibility to deal with.
You can report a problem like this to us on our website, by webchat or by calling our customer care team on 0800 783 4444.
While leaks and bursts on private property are the responsibility of the home owner, if you need help, we’ll be able to give you advice on what to do and how to fix the problem.
You may need to contact your insurer before getting in touch with a plumber to make the necessary repairs.
We would recommend that you use a approved plumber near you to carry out any work.
