Southern Water Leak Allowance

linlin_3

Our recent bill from Southern Water was over £500 for 90 days due to two leaks we discovered on return from holiday in February. On leak was on an outside pipe which although insulated, had burst. The other leak was from the rising main inside the house which has led to a large amount of water swelling the chipboard floor in one room (covered by insurance) and a lot of water under the floors of our house.
I've now heard back from Southern Water who say they would "not normally consider an allowance for a fault of these nature". But as the water didn't return to the drains, they are allowing £198 as a goodwill gesture. This still leaves us with a bill of £300 - about £100 more than we'd normally expect.
Has anyone got experience of negotiating a larger allowance?

Gothicfairy

To be honest I would take it and run,,They don't have to give you anything based on the leak location so I would not push it.

deanos

Will you insurance cover the rest ?

linlin_3

Thanks for the replies. We've accepted the allowance and paid off the balance.

Our insurance doesn't cover for water usage caused by a leak, only for damage although we are now looking at a Homeserve policy for the future.

Psykicpup

I would also suggest turning your water off at the external stopcock if you will be away for more than a day or two too!