Who repairs a water leak depends on where the leak is. In homes supplied by Thames Water, the water company is responsible for the communication pipe up to your property boundary, while the homeowner is responsible for the supply pipe from the boundary into the home and for all the pipes and fittings inside.
Knowing which side of the line a leak sits on helps you contact the right people and avoid delays.
The Pipes Thames Water Looks After
Water reaches your home through a main in the street. A short pipe called the communication pipe connects the main to your property, usually running as far as the boundary or the outside stop tap.
Thames Water says it is responsible for this communication pipe. If a leak is on the public side, such as in the pavement or road outside, it is a matter for the water company to look into.
The Pipes a Homeowner Looks After
From the boundary, the supply pipe carries water across your land and into your home. Thames Water says this supply pipe is the homeowner’s responsibility, along with the internal pipes and fittings such as taps, toilets and valves.
This means a leak under your front garden or driveway is usually yours to repair, even though it is outside the house. Thames Water also says that once a leak on your supply pipe is confirmed, homeowners should arrange a repair in a set timeframe, so it is worth acting promptly.
Shared supply pipes, such as those serving a row of houses or a block of flats, can be more complicated. If more than one property is on the same pipe, the responsibility may be shared.
If You Rent Your Home
Thames Water’s guidance says that for tenants, the landlord is responsible for fixing leaks. GOV.UK guidance on private renting also lists pipes among the things landlords are usually responsible for repairing.
If you rent, report the leak to your landlord or letting agent in writing as soon as you notice it. Turn off the water if it is safe to do so, and only arrange a repair yourself if your tenancy agreement allows it.
Working Out Where the Leak Is
Signs on the public side include water bubbling up in the pavement or road. Signs on your side include a wet patch in your garden, a soggy lawn in dry weather, or water inside the home.
If you are not sure, contact Thames Water first and explain what you can see. If the leak turns out to be on your side, our water leak repair team in Oxford can repair the pipe and talk you through what was done, so you have a clear record to share with anyone who needs it.