If you have found the leak is on your supply pipe, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix.
If you are a tenant or live in social housing, as the consumer of water it is your responsibility to contact your landlord or housing association to arrange repair.
If your home is older, you might share a supply pipe with your neighbours. If you’re not sure if you share, we can find out for you. If you have a shared supply pipe, you’re jointly responsible for maintaining and repairing it.
Find out more about pipework responsibility
Here are some examples to show who would be responsible for fixing a leak on a supply pipe:
Yorkshire Water's responsibility
Customer's responsibility
Stop tap
Leak
1 is the responsibility of property A
2 is the responsibility of property B
3 is the responsibility of property C
4 is the responsibility of properties B, C and D
5 is the responsibility of property E
6 is the responsibility of properties B, C, D and E
Fixing the leak
If you own the property, you should check if your plumbing is covered by your home insurance or a separate policy. If you have recently moved into a newly built home, please contact your developer to arrange a repair.
If your property is rented you may wish to make your landlord, the council or housing association aware to support in the repair.
If your insurance doesn't cover the problem you'll need to contact a plumber.
If you are a business customer, please speak to your retailer to support in the repair.
Search WaterSafe's list of qualified plumbers.
Call our trusted partner on 01156 472 850.
Any questions?
Could I be eligible for a free supply pipe repair?
We have several financial support schemes available to our customers, if you are registered on one of our support schemes you may qualify for a free supply pipe repair.
If you think you may qualify for one of these schemes, please call us on 0345 1 299 299, or visit our help paying your bill section for more information.
I’m on a meter, will there be an allowance on my bill?
If you’re on a meter, then you could be entitled to an allowance.
The leak must have been repaired or you've asked us to look into the problem in the last 28 days. The leak must not have been caused by your negligence.
This allowance will be either for excess water charges from a leak or for wastage from faulty plumbing.
You may only claim once. If the pipe we repaired leaks again and it's still under guarantee, you might get another allowance.
What should I do before investigation or repair work?
Before beginning any investigation or repair work, we recommend yourself or your contractor to complete the following:
- Ensure the serial number of the meter matches the details on your bill
- Perform a flow test if your meter is external
- Locate your meter, if safe to do so. Run a tap and if the dial on the meter moves at a faster rate, this is your meter.
- If you see water dripping from or around the meter in dry weather, or the water in the chamber moving or rotating, get in touch with us to investigate further
- Confirm if the leak is located inside your property or on your supply pipe.
The advice provided is based on the most accurate information we hold, and Yorkshire Water shall not reimburse any costs incurred locating the leak or fixing the leak, such as a plumber, dig team or insurance excess.
What should I expect from a plumber?
- Ask for a quote for the repair work from multiple providers
- If your meter is outside of your property boundary i.e. footpath, and the leak is believed to be on your supply pipe, ensure they dig at your property boundary first and perform a ‘cut and cap’ to make sure the leak is on your pipe and not YWs assets*
- If the leak is found on your supply pipe, your contractor should provide you with different options such as:
- Seal the leak e.g. clamping or using a sealant
- Replace only the damaged section of the pipe
- Replace the whole pipe
- Replacing the whole supply pipe is the more expensive option, make sure this is only done if the majority of the pipe is in poor condition.
- When the work is completed, request an invoice from the contractor with a full breakdown of the work completed along with any photos and videos.