Tell tale signs of a leak and how to test for a leak.
Find out who is responsible for fixing a leak.
Read our guidance and find out how to apply.
Systems, policies and meter reading service for retailers.
What continuous flow is and what you need to do about it.
Why smart meters? How will they reduce leakage and help the environment?
Any questions?
Why do leaks happen?
Temperature changes
Temperature changes, both hot and cold, can cause ground movement that result in pressure points formed on the on pipework which can lead to leaks.
How to protect your pipes during temperature changes
Age of pipework
Some of our pipework has served us all brilliantly for years and years but, as with everything, sometimes its age catches up with it. This can mean it becomes weaker and more likely to leak.
Internal plumbing
Leaks can be the result of incorrectly plumbed appliances or faulty appliances including taps, washing machines and toilets. It can also be caused by accidental damage such as renovation work.
How can I spot a leak at my business property?
- A decrease in water pressure
- Damp patches on the ground
- Noisy pipework
- Constant usage through your meter
Can I prevent leaks at my business property?
Not all leaks are preventable but there are actions you can take to minimise the risk.
Colder months can create issues with your internal pipework. Check that your pipework, toilet cisterns and water tanks in roof spaces are well insulated, using waterproof foam lagging or insulated tape.
Whose responsibility is it to fix a leak at my business property?
Yorkshire Water are responsible for maintaining the pipework beyond the boundary of your property. This includes service pipes and water mains.
Any leaks found internally or within the property boundary, including the supply pipe, are the customers responsibility to fix.
If you see any water dripping from the water meter, even in dry weather, please get in touch with your water retailer who can submit a request to us to investigate.
If you are a tenant, as the consumer of water it is your responsibility to contact your landlord to arrange repair.
What will happen if I don’t fix the leak at my business property?
Leaks can cause significant damage to your property if they are not repaired quickly, if you are on a meter, you will be paying for this lost water.
You will need to get the leak repaired within 30 days or we may send you a Section 75 legal notice of the Water Industry Act 1991. This allows us to complete the repair work which you may be charged for.
I think my business is on a joint supply, who is responsible for fixing the leak?
If you're on a shared supply, all the properties which are on the joint supply are responsible for maintaining and repairing any leaks.
I've got a letter from my retailer or Yorkshire Water advising of high consumption/constant usage at my business property but I can’t find a leak.
If you have a letter from us and want to find out more about where your leak could be please read out business information on how to find a leak.
We recommend using an approved plumber which you can find through Watersafe.
If you have any queries about how this impacts your bill, please contact your water retailer, their details will be available on your latest bill.
Your retailer may be able to assist with leakage detection as an added value service.
I’ve had a plumber out to my business and they can’t find a leak.
Make sure your plumber has checked both inside and outside your property, as the leak could be on your supply pipe.
We recommend using an approved plumber, a plumber experienced in locating leaks, which you can find through Watersafe.
Yorkshire Water shall not reimburse any costs incurred locating the leak or fixing the leak, such as a plumber, dig team or insurance excess.
My business is on a meter, will there be a leakage allowance on my bill?
If your business is on a meter, then you could be entitled to an allowance.
The leak must have been repaired within 30 days. The leak must not have been caused by your negligence.
You may only claim once within 24 months.
If you get an allowance, we'll work this out based on the amount of water you normally use.
Claims for a leakage allowance should be made via your retailer
Where is my meter at my business property?
If you have a meter at your business property, it will either be located internally or externally in the footpath.
Your retailer will be able to provide more information on the location of your water meter.
Where is my internal stop tap at my business property?
Most properties will have an internal stop tap which is usually located under the kitchen sink.
Some internal stop taps can be located in downstairs toilets or even in cellars.
All properties will have an external stop tap which is normally found outside your property. Common places for external stop taps include car parks and footpaths outside your property.
The internal stop tap at my business property is broken and I cannot isolate the water
It is the responsibility of the customer/landlord to have a working internal stop tap.
If your internal stop tap at your business property is broken, please arrange a plumber to fix the issue to enable yourself to isolate the water if you need to.
We recommend using an approved plumber which you can find through Watersafe.