Discovering a water leak can be stressful — especially when you’re unsure who is responsible for fixing it. One of the most common questions we’re asked at Cascade Water Services is:
“Is this leak my water company’s problem, or do I have to deal with it myself?”
In this guide, we’ll explain how responsibility for water leaks is decided in the UK, how to check where the problem lies, and what to do next.
Understanding Water Pipe Responsibility in the UK
In most cases, responsibility for a water leak depends on where the leak is located.
The Key Rule to Remember
- Water company responsibility: Pipes up to the boundary of your property
- Property owner responsibility: Pipes within your boundary
However, there are a few important details that can change this.
What Is a Supply Pipe?
Your water supply pipe runs from the public water main in the road to your property.
It is usually divided into two sections:
- Communication Pipe
Runs from the water main to the boundary of your property
✔ Maintained by the water company - Supply Pipe
Runs from the boundary into your property
✔ Maintained by the property owner
This means that leaks on your supply pipe are normally your responsibility.
How to Tell Where Your Leak Is Located
Here are some practical ways to identify responsibility:
1. Check Where the Leak Appears
- Road, pavement, or verge: Often water company responsibility
- Driveway, garden, or inside property: Usually your responsibility
⚠️ Note: Some leaks travel underground, so the visible water isn’t always where the leak actually is.
2. Turn Off Your Internal Stopcock
- Turn off your internal stopcock
- Check your water meter (if you have one)
If the meter is still moving, this usually indicates a leak on your supply pipe, which is your responsibility.
3. Locate the External Stop Tap / Meter
- This is typically found at the boundary of your property
- If water is leaking after this point, responsibility normally sits with the property owner
If you’re unsure, professional pipe tracing or leak detection can confirm it quickly.
Shared Supply Pipes – Who Is Responsible?
Some older properties share a supply pipe with neighbouring homes.
In these cases:
- Responsibility may be shared between property owners
- Repair costs are often split
- Water companies may require separation of supplies in some situations
Cascade Water Services regularly assists homeowners with shared supply pipe repairs and replacements, including coordination with neighbours.
Will My Water Company Help at All?
Even if the leak is your responsibility, some water companies may:
- Offer a one-time goodwill repair
- Provide leak allowance schemes (to reduce water bills)
- Give advice or guidance
However, they are not obligated to repair private supply pipes.
Signs You May Have a Supply Pipe Leak
Common indicators include:
- Unexplained high water bills
- Loss of water pressure
- Damp patches in gardens or driveways
- Sound of running water when taps are off
- Meter continues to move when water is isolated
Early detection can prevent costly damage.
What Should You Do If the Leak Is Your Responsibility?
If the leak is on your supply pipe, it’s important to act quickly.
Your Options:
- Leak detection and targeted repair
- Partial pipe replacement
- Full supply pipe replacement (often recommended for older or lead pipes)
At Cascade Water Services, we specialise in:
- Underground leak repairs
- Trenchless and traditional excavation methods
- Lead pipe upgrades
- Emergency and planned works
- Domestic and commercial properties
We aim to minimise disruption while resolving the issue properly.
When Should You Call a Professional?
You should contact a specialist if:
- You can’t locate the leak
- The leak is underground
- Water pressure has dropped suddenly
- There is visible flooding or ongoing water loss
Delaying repairs can lead to:
- Structural damage
- Increased water bills
- Insurance complications
Need Help Identifying or Repairing a Water Leak?
If you’re unsure who is responsible — or you already know the leak is on your supply pipe — Cascade Water Services can help.
We provide expert advice, leak detection, and repairs across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and London, helping homeowners and businesses resolve water issues with minimal stress.
📞 Contact us today to arrange an inspection or discuss your options.
Bringing years of expertise & experience to the areas of Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire.