Supply Responsibility
South Staffs Water is responsible for the maintenance and repair of pipework up to the boundary of your property. The edge of the public highway normally indicates or is the boundary. The point from the boundary up to and including all internal pipework is the responsibility of the property owner, as are any problems that occur relating to repair or replacement. If you are a tenant of a property the responsibility remains with the landlord. (Please note that because these pipes are privately owned, we do not hold any information regarding their location or depth.)
It is important to ensure that there is at least one tap inside the property which is connected directly to our mains by your water pipe.
Shared Supply Pipes
For some customers it is important to note that you may share your water supply with neighbouring properties. If you do share your supply with your neighbours you are jointly responsible for maintenance and repair from your property to our main stop tap.
Many years ago when installing water supplies in new properties, it was felt that shared supplies were adequate for the appliances of the time. However, in this day and age, with the introduction of automatic washing machines, dishwashers and power showers, you may experience a loss of water pressure if multiple properties are using the supply at the same time.
Should you be experiencing restrictions in supply, we can come and investigate the situation to ensure that as a Company we are providing the regulatory pressure. Once we have carried out our investigations you may wish to consider having a separate independent supply pipe that can be installed from your property to the water main. The property owner is responsible for the cost of this new supply.
If you are interested in a separation of supply, more information can be found here, a quotation for these works can be obtained by contacting our Developer Services Department on 01922 618062.
Leakage on Private Supply Pipes
It is important to note that leak detection is not an exact science, rather it relies on the skill of the operative in conjunction with the use of appropriate acoustic technology. The main principles of leak location are based upon the operative pinpointing the sound a leak generates as pressurised water escapes from the pipe. This can be influenced by many factors, including traffic noise, material of the pipe, earlier repairs on the pipe, the electrical 'hum' generated by streetlights and electricity sub-stations, or changes in the road layout.
We do not solely rely on customers bringing potential leakage to our attention, we have a Leakage Operations Unit who locate hidden leakage throughout the Company’s Area of Supply. This includes leakages on our water mains, communications pipes and fittings. Any suspected leaks that may be present on customers private supply pipes will also be identified for further investigation.
Should we suspect a leak on a private supply pipe we will issue you with a Defective Fittings Notice (DFN) bringing the leak to your attention together with an information pack. This notice advises that you have 7 days in which to repair the leak. Should you fail to repair the leak or replace the pipework within this time, we will repair the leak on your behalf and issue you with a bill for all associated costs.
One Free Leak Repair
The Company is committed to reducing water wastage and as such we operate a scheme offering a “Once Only” free repair to a customer’s supply pipe at our cost. In order to qualify the property must not have benefited from a free leak repair previously and the leak must not be located under a building/structure. In addition you must be an owner-occupier of the property. Once your supply pipe has been repaired this one time by South Staffs Water, you will then be responsible for all future costs of repair or replacement.
Alternatively, should you qualify under the normal terms and conditions for a Free Leak Repair - in an effort to assist customers with a long term solution we are offering you the opportunity to have the whole of your supply piping relaid, providing you are not on a shared supply. In return for this commitment, we will contribute £175.00 towards the relay. Please note that this is an alternative to having a “One Time Only” repair.
It is important to note that if the supply pipe to your property has never been replaced, it may be prudent for you to Insure your supply pipe against possible leakage.
Please note our Free Leak Repair Scheme is not an emergency service and any visits and repairs will be carried out during normal working hours. Should you feel that the repair is an emergency you have the option to employ the services of a plumber of your own choice and you will be responsible for any costs associated with the repair.
Related Links
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