Waste Water Notice

DeclanO

Hi

I hope someone can help.

Can a waste water notice issued by a Water Authority be disputed and subsequently rescinded if there are adequate grounds and proof that the mains water leak is not on the property to which the order has been issued?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Dec

Andrew_Davies

My first post on here and registered because, In my 'day' job we deal with this on a regular basis. We see this all the time and often without cause. On the other hand a water leak does go straight down and is never as aparent as you might think it would be even inside your home.

Do you have a water meter?

Water authorities make regular surveys of water supplies each night, the problem lies with the time and method. If they used an electronic 'Leak Frog' then the chances are you do have a leak as it take an average and records the least water use as a leak. However they also like to test with a stethoscope for a second or so (the only option if you do not have a meter), if this is when your using the loo in the night or have a washing machine running then they will insist you have a leak!

There are a couple of 'quick'n'dirty' tests you can do...

First, wait until morning and before you touch a tap or use any water (it takes AGES for all ball valves to stop fully) look at the meter if you have one, is the centre disk spinning slowly?

Second, do the same but turn off the water main and leave for an hour or so, is there any water to the upstairs taps? If not then the water has leaked away, if it spurts for a few seconds then you have pressure and a leak is unlikely. A £20 pressure gauge will do the same (connect it to the washing machine outlet or outside tap IF it does not have a non-return valve) with more accurate results.

After that you into what I do with thermal imaging, acoustic detection and gas trace (a lighter than air gas that exits the leak and heads up not down!). I'm not sure what area you are in and touting for work on a first post would be pretty poor, but you may well need a specialist and not a plumber; not because of skill or experience, just the tools required.

Andrew