Water pooling near your boundary, a hissing stop tap, or an unexplained jump in a metered bill raises the first question: whose pipe is it?
The general rule
The water company is usually responsible for the mains in the street and the communication pipe up to the boundary of your property (typically to the outside stop valve). From the boundary to your home (the supply pipe) is normally the property owner’s responsibility. Water companies sometimes offer a one-off repair or subsidised scheme; policies vary, so check yours.
How to tell the leak is on your side
- Turn off everything, then watch your meter, movement suggests a leak on your side.
- Damp ground, greener grass along the pipe run, or water at the internal stop valve.
- Pressure loss inside the house.
Why private detection is often the fast route
Water-company queues prioritise their own network. For a suspected private-side leak, professional leak detection locates it precisely (acoustic profiling and tracer gas work through driveways and floors) so you dig once, not five times. What it costs. If damage is involved, trace-and-access cover may apply.
Think this is happening in your home? 📞 Call free: 0800 054 1524 · 💬 WhatsApp: 07733 019492 · or send us a message. We cover London & Surrey, every inspection is quoted based on the job and the price is confirmed before we attend.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Independent investigation and written reports. Repairs are quoted separately.