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House exterior

Leaks outside your home

We’ve provided some advice below on what to do if we’ve contacted you about a leak on your water supply pipe. You will also find this advice useful if you think you may have a leak outside your home.

Spotted a leak on a road or footpath?

As the water company for the North West, we’re doing everything we can to find and fix leaks on our water mains as quickly as possible. So if you spot any leaks on the road or pavement, please let us know and we’ll sort it..
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What am I responsible for?

Pipe responsibility
Single supply pipe

The water main beyond the property boundary is United Utilities' responsibility. The water supply pipe connected to the water main within the property boundary, along with the internal pipework and water fittings, are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Shared Supply Pipe Graphic
Shared supply pipe

The water main is United Utilities' responsibility. The common supply pipe, connecting each branch pipe, is the collective responsibility of all connected homeowners. Each branch pipe and internal pipework are the responsibility of the homeowner.


The water supply pipe brings water into your home from our main in the street. As the homeowner, you are responsible for all the pipes within your property boundary and repairing any leaks. If you live in a rented property, it is your landlord’s responsibility to repair the leak. 

Many older properties, particularly terraced houses, are served by a common supply pipe. This pipe provides water to a number of houses from one single connection to the water main with all homeowners supplied by this pipe being jointly responsible for repairs.

Each home is then connected to the common supply pipe by individual branch pipes, with each homeowner responsible for repairing leaks on their individual branch pipes.

Installing your own water supply pipe can help to improve your water pressure, especially if it is made of lead. For further details on how to apply for your own individual water supply pipe please call us on 0345 072 6082.

Shared supply pipes

What to do next

If you're unlucky enough to discover a leak on a pipe within your property boundary, here are the steps you need to take.

  • As a homeowner you are responsible for all the pipes within the boundary of your property. This includes all the plumbing inside your home as well as maintaining the underground water pipe that runs from the boundary of your property into your home. 

    If you live in a rented property, it is your landlord’s responsibility to repair the leak so please let them know if we’ve been in touch to make you aware of a leak or if you believe you have a leak which they need to fix. 

    If you’re a business customer, speak to your water retailer for advice or click here to find for further information.

  • Check your home insurance policy to see if you’re covered for leaks on your water supply pipe.

  • Have you taken out a separate insurance policy which covers you for leak repairs on your water supply pipe? 

    It’s always worth checking if you have one of these policies and whether it covers the cost of replacing any blocked paving or pressed concrete that needs removing to repair the leak. 

  • If the leak is causing damage and needs repairing urgently or your insurance policy doesn't cover you for fixing leaks, you’ll need to seek professional help. Visit the link below to find an approved plumber in your area.

    Find a plumber

  • If you’re registered for either of the below, we may be able to send one of engineers to see if we can help.

    • You’re on our Priority Services register. To find out more about Priority Services, please visit - About Priority Services | United Utilities

      --OR--

    • You receive one or more of the below income related benefits:
      • Universal Credit 
      • Income-based Employment Support Allowance
      • Income Support 
      • Income-Based Job Seeker's Allowance 
      • Housing Benefit   
      • Pension Credit

    For more information and to check if you are eligible, please call our friendly team on 0345 672 3723.

  • If you’re a household customer, have a water meter and you repair the leak within 30 days, you may be entitled to claim for the cost of the water lost during the time you had the leak. You can check if you are eligible for an allowance by visiting the link below.

    Find out more

Find an approved plumber

Visit WaterSafe's website to find an approved plumber in your area.

How to claim a leak allowance

If you have a water meter, you may be eligible to claim the cost of the water lost during a leak.

Leaks inside your home

If you have spotted a leak inside your home, simply click the link below to find out more.