How does a shared water supply work?

How does a shared water supply work?

If you and your neighbour share a supply pipe, you are jointly responsible for it from your property to the boundary stop tap. The houses in the example have a shared supply pipe and a joint responsibility for maintaining and repairing it.

How do I know if Im on a shared water supply?

You can check if you're on a shared supply by checking for external stop taps. The external stop tap is usually located in the pavement or on the boundary of your property. If there is an external stop tap for every home then you're on single supply.

Do terraced houses share water pipes?

Often older houses and terraced houses share common supply water pipes. Shared pipes can lead to poor pressure and flow from increased water demand or poor condition pipes. Neighbours are jointly responsible from their properties to the boundary stop tap.

Who is responsible for a shared water supply?

Under the Water Industry Act 1991, water and sewerage companies must connect people to their networks, so you do have the right to a separate supply. However, you will have to pay for this work the supply pipe that runs from the mains in the street to your property, within your boundary, is your responsibility.Aug 2, 2017

How do I know if my water supply is shared?

You can find out if you're on a shared supply by checking how many external stop taps are outside your home. External stop taps or boundary boxes are usually found in the pavement at the property. If there is an external stop tap outside every home on the street, then each home will have its own supply.

Can you have a water meter on a shared supply?

The most common reason for an internal meter fit is that adjoining properties are on a joint or shared supply. If you are on a shared supply, your external stop tap is usually shared with your neighbours and we can't use this to fit a meter.

What is a common water supply?

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. These supply pipes are often made of lead and are often too small for the water needs of modern kitchens and bathrooms.

How do you tell if a water pipe is broken underground?

- An area of unusually wet soil in your yard. - An area of thick, lush vegetation or grass that is growing faster than it is in the surrounding areas. - Sink holes in your yard. - A noticeable decrease in water pressure or flow volume.

Does building insurance cover water supply pipe?

Homeowners Insurance: Standard policies will probably cover accidental and sudden water damage caused by things like burst pipes and sudden foundation cracks. Remember that the cause for the burst pipe has to be “sudden and accidental,” though.