Burst pipe next door

learner1

The house next door has had a bust pipe outside which has been gushing water for 4 weeks now. The house is empty but we have informed the owner, who have done nothing. Their back is like a swamp and ours is starting to get wet. I am worried about the water seeping into foundations. What is the best course of action?

roger196

Ring owner again, if he is not prepared to act ASAP, then ring water board. They can turn off water from outside the property.

choc_mouse

http://www.thameswater.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/corp/hs.xsl/9752.htm

Legal duty to repair pipes
The homeowner has a legal duty to repair leaks on their private pipes under Section 75 of the Water Industry Act 1991.

If the leak is not repaired, we will serve notice under the Act. This allows us to enter the property and make the repair ourselves. Should this be necessary, the bill payer will be charged for the full cost of the work.

I'd try reporting it to the local water company/council.

Mrs_Imp

There should be an Empty Property Officer at your council. You can report the problem to them if the house is empty, and they should make contact with the owner in order to get the problem rectified. (Watching daytime tv this week, including a programme on Britain's empty homes).

ormus

just turn off their street tap.
simple.

boxer691

Outside in the street you will find a metal plate about 8 inches square. Lift the plate and you will find the stop tap. I would however inform the water board that you have turned it off.

ormus

http://www.frazerandtabberer.co.uk/case_studies.cfm

just like this one.

west_ham_till_i_die

By turning off the street stop !!!! wouldn't work in my case as we are on a shared feed just make sure you are only turning off the feed to one house and not one off your neighbours

keystone

Go direct to the water company to come out to turn him off. Mention to them that this water wastage will adversely affect their ability to meet their targets as set by Ofwat! Seemples!

Cheers

boxer691

Thats great advice. and yes to a previous, what ever you do dont turn off the tap if its providing any other user. The cosequences could land you in deep trouble

ic

keystone wrote: »

Go direct to the water company to come out to turn him off. Mention to them that this water wastage will adversely affect their ability to meet their targets as set by Ofwat! Seemples!

Cheers

As the leak isn't on part of their network it wouldn't count. Once the water pipe enters your property, it is your problem. If they're on a meter they'll be paying for the water, however by the sound of things they're clearly not.