Who is responsible for fixing the Leak?
All properties that are provided with mains water will have an external stop valve installed, this controls the flow of water to the property. When a property is in a terrace or is semi-detached there can be either one stop valve or multiple external stop valves on the supply to the properties, although each individual dwelling will have its own meter.
Properties within communal blocks will normally have a meter in each dwelling, but will probably only have one stop valve and one external stop valve.
Water companies usually install a meter on the stop valve. Where water meters are inside communal blocks, they’re located away from the stop valve. Only the water passing through the meter is billable to the customer.
The external stop valve is usually the boundary between what is the responsibility of the homeowner or the water company. Most leaks that could cause your bill to be higher than expected would be past the external stop valve and therefore be the homeowners responsibility; Unless the leak is on the external stop valve or external meter, then your local water company would be responsible.
How to Locate an External Leak
- Locate your external meter chamber and open the lid and remove any surface water.
- To make sure it is your own meter, turn off the external stop tap and then go inside and turn on any tap. If water does not run from the tap, the meter is yours.
- Turn the water back on at the external stop tap and take a meter reading.
- To test if there is a leak, wait 1 hour with out using any water and take a reading. If the meter reading has changed, water is leaking from somewhere.
- To locate where the leak is coming from, turn off the water at the internal stop tap. Wait 1 hour and the take a further reading. If you find a difference in the reading, there is a external leak. If there is no difference, the leak is internal.
- If you find no difference in the meter readings throughout the test you do not have a leak.
Signs of a Leaking Water Mains Pipe
- Pooling water where there is not normally any
- Lack of water pressure from the taps
- Damp areas on the ground
- Noises coming from pipework or hearing water running below ground
- Your bill or meter reading has increased a lot
- Any changes in the ground
Repairing a Broken Water Mains Pipe
After we have completed our initial inspection of the pipework and have found the leak, we can then price the work and provide a fixed quotation.
We can also provide your insurance provider with a report if a claim needs to be submitted.
Once this confirmed by your insurance provider we can start work as soon as possible.
We use different techniques to fix broken pipework, depending on the circumstances. This ranges from cutting away a section of the pipework and replacing it to placing a sleeve over the broken area of the pipe.
If your think you may have a broken water main pipe, do not hesitate to call 1st Clear Flow on 01903 238812 or use our online form.
