Water pipes

[Bettypat]

Does anyone think it unfair that householders should be responsible for the water pipes from the property boundary? We have had five major leaks in the last three years and each time our slabs have been taken up and there has been a horrible mess. Each time they come to repair the pipes the men leave us with the assurance that it will happen again as they are not allowed to renew the pipes only to cut out the bad and repair. There have been gallons and gallons of wasted water. Our pipe insurance premiums go up every year seemingly because of these leaks. There are a lot of leaks in the district, but most people have been fortunate enough to have them in the street, so they have not been responsible like we have.

[mjwman]

I do not understand. I know it will not be cheap but this is your pipe on your property. If it is always failing, why not get it renewed from the boundary to the house?

[alavahalf]

We dont know how long your drive is ... But next time they come to repair it..I'd be tempted to offer a little incentive ( Not too little) to replace the pipe to the boundary.
They may be tempted if it's not to too long a trench... the cost of materias to replace the mains is very little...the major cost is in digging the hole and re- filling it and then of course repaving.

[4getmenot]

have a go at your insurance company, keep on and on at them they will eventually crack. I worked for the company that come out and do water main repairs for insurance companies, we got alot of cases like that

[Hymie]

My understanding is that your water supplier has responsibility for the pipe all the way up to your house. They (water suppliers) have been criticised in the press/media for selling insurance to cover their responsibility (a nice little earner).

Perhaps others can confirm this to be the case, before I search for an authoritative source to quote.

[Hymie]

See this link here for more info – although it would appear you are only covered for a one-off free repair. Clearly you only need take out insurance once you have used up your free repair.

http://www.guardian.c...tilities.jobsandmoney

[buildersmate]

I'm afraid that your understanding is incorrect, Hymie.
The water companies are responsible for the pipe to the boundary of the householder's LAND - though for some people this may also be the boundary to the property (if the property abuts the public highway).
I read your link - and believe that Thames Water do this free repair as a gesture - they are not legally obliged.
The question asked is it fair? - too right it is. You'll be wanting us taxpayers to pay for your leaking taps next. Your property, your problem I'm afraid to say.

[4getmenot]

you are responsible for anything up to the stop cock in the road

[buildersmate]

...... and the stopcock in the road is adjacent to the property border, give or take a gnat's. QED

[fbg40]

Hi Bettypat
Had the same problem a few years ago - eventually dug up the old lead and had it replaced. I then sold the lead to a scrap metal dealer which went towards the cost of the new !! I'm assuming that your leaking pipe is lead of course. If you want a fair price for the job look on the follwoing site : tradespeople.com. Read what is involved in using this site and I am certain you will get a good result. I've used it and always found the tradesmen very fair and honest. Good luck.
FBG40

[Bettypat]

Thank you all for your comments, and in particular Hymie for pointing me to the article in the Guardian. My premiums are now up to £32 and not £16 as they quote. To Builders mate, I am a pensioner and still paying tax. I have been paying tax from the age of 15 to date. I am now 73.