Domestic Water Supply

[Chris38]

There seems to be a lot of confusion about who is responsible for any repairs required to the supply pipe linking the mains to a domestic residence. United Utilities, in particular, keeps trying to sell insurance for this but I believe that it has been categorically stated that repairs to a householder`s supply pipe are the responsibility of the water company. Does anyone know the answer for sure and, in particular, is suuply pipe insurance necessary or just a waste of money?

[Zacs-Master]

It would appear that they are correct:
http://www.unitedutilities.com/documents/private-leak-repair-scheme.pdf

[Zacs-Master]

And Ofwat agree:
https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/consumerissues/rightsresponsibilities/supplypipes/

[Mamyalynne]

Little map here for a bit of guidance too


https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/consumerissues/rightsresponsibilities/supplypipes/

[Chris38]

Many thanks for the replies. This still seems a bit strange. Geoff Howells who used to write for the Daily or Sunday Telegraph was absolutely certain a while back that supply pipe insurance was just a con trick. More recently, a water company fixed my supply pipe for free but maintained that it was really my responsibility. Their apparent generosity is not really credible - they are not known for a charitable approach to these matters!