Need major help!

JustNick

Okay, i need someone who knows about drains and the laws of what you are and not responsible for to pay. There are 5 houses connected to the common supply pipe and the branch pipe that is under our extension has a leak. However, we are not getting supplied by the back instead we are getting supplied from the front from United Utilities. The leak is affecting others as they are not getting the right water pressure. The question is, do we have to pay full price for the repair or can it be done so the neighbours have to pay equally for the repair as its affecting them and not us? United Utilities are saying that it is not their responsibility and the home insurance will not pay for it as we are not getting supplied by it. It says on the United Utilities website 'You are solely responsible for the repair of any leaks on your supply pipe unless you qualify under our private leak repair scheme' but we do not supply by it. A private drainage company estimated around £850 plus VAT to get it repaired and we don't want to be paying that if its not that much of our problem. I would really appreciate help fast. -Nick

Cardew

This is the 'bible' from Ofwat

http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/consumerissues/rightsresponsibilities/supplypipes/

As I understand it from your post the position is that it is the

Joint responsibility of all property owners served by pipe

As you are not served by the pipe, you have no responsibility to pay, even though it is under your land.

However did you or previous owner get permission from the water company when the extension was built?