The short answer
If the water meter itself is leaking, or the leak is on the street side of it, the water company is usually responsible for the repair. If the leak is on the supply pipe between your boundary and your home, or inside your home, it is usually your responsibility as the owner. Many water companies offer a one-off leak allowance on your bill once you have fixed a leak on your side.
Who fixes what?
| Where the leak is | Usually responsible |
|---|---|
| The meter or its fittings | Water company |
| Pipe between the main and your boundary | Water company |
| Supply pipe from boundary to your home | Property owner |
| Pipes, taps and toilets inside the home | Property owner, or landlord in a rental |
How to tell if you have a hidden leak
- Turn off every tap and appliance that uses water.
- Read the meter and note the numbers, or watch the small dial or flashing light.
- Wait 30 minutes without using any water.
- Read the meter again. If the numbers have changed, there is a leak somewhere after the meter.
- Turn off your stopcock and repeat. If the meter still moves, the leak is on the supply pipe outside. If it stops, the leak is inside.
What is a leak allowance?
Many water companies will reduce a high bill caused by a leak on your supply pipe, as long as you repair it quickly. This is often a one-off goodwill gesture. Ask your supplier about their leak allowance policy and keep the plumber's invoice as proof of repair.
Leaks in flats and shared supplies
In blocks of flats and older terraces, supplies are often shared. Responsibility may sit with the freeholder, managing agent or all the owners together. Check your lease or deeds.
How a plumber helps
We trace leaks on supply pipes and inside homes, repair them and provide an invoice and short note of the cause, which you can send to your water company with any leak allowance claim.
Related service: leak detection and repair.
A few common questions
Who is responsible for a leaking water meter?expand_more
If the meter itself or its fittings are leaking, the water company is usually responsible. The same applies to the pipe between the main and your boundary. Contact your supplier to report it. Leaks on the supply pipe after your boundary are normally the property owner's responsibility.
How do I check my water meter for a leak?expand_more
Turn off every tap and appliance, read the meter, then wait 30 minutes without using water. If the reading has changed, there is a leak after the meter. Turn off your stopcock and repeat to find out whether the leak is outside on the supply pipe or inside your home.
Will the water company refund a high bill from a leak?expand_more
Many water companies offer a one-off leak allowance if the leak was on your supply pipe and you repaired it quickly. Ask your supplier about their policy and keep the plumber's invoice and any notes as proof that the repair has been done.
Who fixes a leak on a shared supply pipe?expand_more
On shared supplies, common in older terraces and blocks of flats, responsibility is usually shared between the owners or sits with the freeholder or managing agent. Check your lease or property deeds, and agree with neighbours how the repair will be arranged and paid.
Can a plumber find a leak on the supply pipe?expand_more
Yes. A plumber can confirm the leak using the meter, then narrow down its position by checking the route of the pipe, damp areas and pressure. Once found, the leaking section can be repaired or replaced, and you get an invoice for any leak allowance claim.