There are many pipes running beneath your property that you might be unaware of, until there is a burst, and you have the confusing task of finding out responsibility.
More and more houses are being built on pr-existing pipework. Many pipes that are at end of life can burst, leading to gardens full of sewage or neighbors house flooded with water from your water pipe. Finding out who is financially responsible for repair can be a differ cult and time consuming task.
For Water Mains
The simple rule of thumb is that if it’s Supply pipe serving is serving a single property, it is that property owners responsibility.If Shared supply pipe serving more than one property, then it is the responsibility of all those that the pipe shares.
For Sewers and drains
For waste pipes trying to figure out responsibility is slightly harder.
First you need to find out if your sewer pipe is private or an adopted sewer. Your local water company may have adopted your sewer/drain. In which case this is their responsibility for repair and maintenance.
If the pipe/drain is private and un adopted then the bill and repair responsibility fall on you and those neighbors who share the drains. It can be difficult and a complicated process to get neighbors all pay an equal share for repair. Contact your environmental health may assist you with neighbors who refuse to pay by sending a letter to all those involved.