The video above shows a real example of a water leak in the street near domestic properties. In this guide we will explain what this might mean for you and the potential concerns you might have about how a leak such as this could affect your home or business.
If you want help with who to notify about a water leak, see our guide to reporting a water leak which explains when a water leak could be (and might not be!) your responsibility. On that, this helpful image might help give you a simple indication…
Table of Contents
Who is Responsible for a Water Leak in the Street?
There are a large number of factors that can determine who is responsible when you have a water leak in the street locally. However, assuming it is outside the boundary of your property, like the earlier diagram showed, then most commonly it is more likely to be the responsibility of the local water service provider – you can use the Water UK site to find your water supplier by entering your post code.
Despite what we just mentioned above there will clearly be exceptions as to who is responsible for resolving a water leak in the street. For example, if that street is actually a water leak in the driveway or on a private road or business estate, that situation may change.
The situation may be different for businesses too, as we know from doing commercial water leak detection for customers too.
What Causes a Water Leak in the Street?
Again there can be a number of different causes for water leaks in the street and water leaks can come from both fresh / mains water supplies or possibly even drains and drainage systems. In some instances that can include sewer leaks which is obviously another potential unpleasant risk. On that, see our linked guide toilet leaks.
Other factors that can cause water leaks in the street:
- Ground movement from cold, frost and ice in winter months
- Similarly, movement or contraction in pipework in winter
- Ground movement from dry ground moving in summer
- And again, similar to that, movement from expansion
- Ingress from things like tree roots moving or damaging pipes
- Wear and tear (and corrosion) on pipework and or connections
- Possibly manufacturing defects in the pipes that affect integrity
- Possibly bad or incorrect installation of new pipework
- Excessive water pressure putting strain on pipework
- This can be exacerbated by traffic, construction work etc (nearby)
In a similar way we discuss elsewhere the Top 10 Water Leak Causes in Homes
What can the Impact of a Water Leak in the Street be?
Other than the actual loss or waste of water, there are a number of things that a water leak in the street can cause both directly or indirectly to your home:
- A lowering of water pressure locally
- Disruption to water supplies (especially with repairs)
- Possibly discolouring or contamination of water
- Pooling of water near or directly on your property
- That can possibly lead to things like a flooded basement
- Or additionally, localised flooded houses in bad situations
- Potential health and safety implications
- Disruption to access for homes and businesses
- Water damage restoration being needed to your property
There are more things too that will depend on the leak, the severity of the water leak, the lay of the land and the layout and construction of buildings nearby. An example of something that could indirectly link to this is elevated moisture possibly causing mould on walls etc.
How are Underground Water Leaks in the Street Located?
Interestingly although water leaks in the street are commonly located by local water companies, there are some situations whereby companies like us can get involved to provide support and expertise. On that, we wrote a really useful guide to underground leak detection services.
And that covered things such as:
- Acoustic Leak Detection
- Acoustic Listening Devices
- Thermal Imaging Leak Detection
- Tracer Gas Leak Detection
- Water Meter Readings
- Pipe Detectors
Water Leaks in the Street – Conclusion
As you have hopefully discovered in this guide to a water leak in the street, they can have many facets to them and like domestic water leaks, they vary in shapes, sizes, scale and level of technicality.
That said, many of the useful principles are shared in common with both internal and external water leaks. So, if you have a water leak at your home or business, we can help, so contact our team for help and friendly guidance. We can help with water leaks outdoors too, especially if you suspect you are responsible for it.
Here are some other similar related to having a water leak in the street:
- Detect a Water Leak
- Burst Pipe Water Leaks
- Trace And Access Leak Detection
- Plumbing Leak Detection
- Leak Detection Services
We also have a variety of handy guides and informative articles in our water leak blog which has some useful hints and tips to help you, this explained by our experts but in simple layman’s terms, with useful diagrams, photos and charts to help understand about water leaks more.
Water Leak in the Street – FAQs:
Who is responsible for water leaks in the road?
Who is responsible for a water leak in the street (or road) can vary but commonly it is the local water company supplier who is responsible for locating and repairing the leak. However, in some situations such as on private property, land or on things such as business premises / industrial estates it may be the responsibility of the homeowner or landowner.
What do do if you have a water leak outside?
When you discover a water leak outside your property or nearby, firstly consider who is responsible. If it is outside your property on public roads or footpaths, then commonly it might be the local water company responsible so consider getting in touch with them. If you thing it might be on your land, then contact a water leak detection company like us.