Who's responsible for the connections to the water meter?

[cutleryman]

Evening folks. Looked elsewhere on here for the answer but seems to be some difference in opinions.....

We have a leak from the compression fitting on the property side of the water meter. The water meter is located in a man hole on the pavement approx 1 metre away from the boundary of our property. We noticed it due to a large water bill this half-year and interestingly Welsh Water replaced the meter shortly before this half year started (could they have disturbed the joint when changing the meter?).

In Welsh Water's literature it refers in places to them being responsible for the supply pipe to the boundary of the property and elsewhere that they are responsible only to the stoptap or meter .

Even if the latter, as it is the compression joint actually on their meter housing surely this must be their responsibility?

Any body know the correct answer and even better anyone work for a water company and knows the Regs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[holty]

got me wandering that. but as i see it the homeowner is responsible for any connection after the meter.but which part of the meter .but id argue as the meters theres so is the compression joint.logically a meter installer could leave a nut loose on all installs cover over them then blame the supply pipe in that situation.

 

[Agile]

My understanding is that they are responsible up to your boundary!

You should use the complaints procedure if necessary and if you have the administrative ability to make written complaints you are likely to succeed.

First use the normal procedures to get them to fix the leak and to adjust your chargeable consumption so you dont pay for the leaked water.

Take the stance than they created the leak when they replaced the meter.

Its likelyt that they will react as hoped for but there are many layers of complaint to go through before OFWAT. You could also sue them in the CC and they are unlikely to weant that bad publicity or the costs of defending so they will probably prevent it going to court.

Tony

 

[namsag]

Providing leak is outside your boundary then its down to the water board even if its leaking on your side of the meter , also if meter been fitted recently you can start claims procedure for money you have paid.

Got a friend going through this just now £ she was £200 quid in credit and after first bill reading they sent her a bill for £250
Guy came out and has said it is compression nut on meter leaking and put a halt on any bills till they fix it in about 3 weeks time

 

[doitall]

Yep, can confirm namsags post, your pipe end at the boundary and not 1mm more.

We had a leak on a shared mains, and wessex wouldn't do anything untill we proved it was outside of the boundary, which it wasn't quite so the pipe got broke off under the pavement somehow, and they was happy to fit a new pipe and stopcock.

 

[Agile]

Was the pavement dug up to break the pipe underneath?

Tony

 

[bengasman]

Afaik, you are not even allowed to touch the meter, or dig up the public highway; would be a bit odd if it was then up to you to maintain it.

 

[doitall]

Afaik, you are not even allowed to touch the meter, or dig up the public highway; would be a bit odd if it was then up to you to maintain it.

Quite correct bengasman