Quick answer
Responsibility commonly depends on where the leak is: homeowners generally own the supply pipe from the boundary or stopcock to the house, while the water company is responsible for the rest. Confirm the exact boundary with your water company and check your insurance before work.
Understand the usual division
The water company is generally responsible for its network up to the property's boundary. The homeowner generally owns the private supply pipe from the boundary or stopcock to the house. However, the route, shared supplies, property type and local arrangements can affect where responsibility changes. A meter or stopcock position alone may not settle every case.
Confirm before arranging a repair
- 1Note the meter location, stopcock position and any known pipe route, without digging.
- 2Contact your water company and ask it to confirm which section it is responsible for and whether it can investigate.
- 3If the pipe appears to be on your property, ask a competent plumber to assess it and explain the repair options.
- 4Check your home insurance for relevant cover, approval requirements and excesses before non-urgent work.
Keep evidence
Photograph visible signs and keep meter readings, the water company's advice, reports and invoices. If water is causing active damage, take reasonable steps to limit it safely. Do not enter flooded areas near electrics or excavate before underground services are identified. TraceFix can investigate suspected leaks in Birmingham and London and provide a clear account of findings.
When to call a plumber
- You cannot tell which section of pipe is leaking.
- A meter reading suggests continuous use and no internal cause is found.
- Ground is wet near a suspected supply route.
- You need evidence for your water company or insurer.