Reclaiming water pipe repair costs?

orangesmartie1

I got my water bill in March, significantly higher than expected. 
Did a leak isolation test, leak was clearly external to the building. Phoned South West Water, who said it was likely that the fault was on the pipe under my property boundary and into the house. Got a company out (during lockdown, which was amazing), who dug down and replaced the pipework from my property boundary into the house. However, my stupid house insurance didn't cover this work (policy only covers sudden damage, not wear and tear on underground pipes. Funnily enough, have not renewed this policy.) so I paid for the work. 
Did more meter readings before submitting for a leak allowance and noticed the numbers still looked high. Did another isolation test. Sure enough, the meter was still going round. So it looked like the problem was not on my supply pipe. 
Phoned SWW and explained. They said they would mark it up for investigation but thought it would be awhile before anyone came to look, not a priority in the current situation. Completely agree with this. 

Anyway, the water guys came out today, dug down, did whatever they do, filled it all in and have gone away again. 

I have done another isolation test and thankfully the problem seems to be fixed. The meter has stopped moving. 
So it seems the problem was on their side, between the meter and my property boundary.

My question: Can I reclaim from SWW the costs of the company that came out and replaced my pipes? SWW website says they'll pay £250 towards the costs, but it cost me more than that to get them out to look in the first place, never mind the actual replacement work. 

Thanks in advance. 

Hasbeen

Would seriously doubt that SWW would reimburse you the costs of at what now appears unnecessary work by a private company that you employed to replace pipe within your own boundary.

SWW have now repaired their problem and I assume have offered you £250 as a goodwill gesture?

Personally I would take the offer.

But keep checking your post as there will probably be other advice given?

orangesmartie1

SWW were adamant the problem was on my side of the pipe work, despite an initial recon by a contractor (from their own list, costing more than £250), and my neighbour having had the same problem 5 months ago. So I agreed to replace the pipe, at additional cost.

The leak persisted and now SWW have rectified the problem.

The £250 contribution is their standard offer, not one that has been made to me personally.

But, I take your point. I should've stood my ground and refused to have the pipe replaced.

Thanks 😀

reefer37

If sww were sure they should have given you a waste of water notice that inform you of the leak and you to get it repaired. If this is the case then yes as a good will they will probably offer towards cost if their mistake as mistakes can happen.
if not their fault then that the £250 and leak allowance.
did they give you a notice

orangesmartie1

reefer37 said:

If sww were sure they should have given you a waste of water notice that inform you of the leak and you to get it repaired. If this is the case then yes as a good will they will probably offer towards cost if their mistake as mistakes can happen.
if not their fault then that the £250 and leak allowance.
did they give you a notice

No, no notice given.

reefer37

How did they tell you you had a leak and it was your responsibility. Without a legal waste notice you might struggle