As a business owner or employee, it can sometimes be hard to know exactly which pipework you are responsible for.
Your water and sewerage company in your operating area owns and is responsible for maintaining the public water and public sewerage networks.
As the customer, you are responsible for maintaining your private water supply pipe, internal pipework and fittings, and private sewer.
What you’re responsible for when it comes to your water and sewerage connections is slightly different.
Water supply
When it comes to your water supply, the below diagram shows you the area you’re responsible for, which is all the pipework colour coded in orange. This is usually everything beyond the boundary of the street and footpath in which our water main is laid.
This means if there are any leaks or issues with the water pipe beyond that boundary, including where it may run through someone else’s land, it’s your responsibility to fix it. You are also responsible for any water passing through the meter; whether it’s used or lost through leakage.
Sewers
When it comes to your sewer connection, it’s slightly different, as you can see in the below diagram. Pipes that only collect wastewater from your premises, and which lie inside your premises or within the boundary of your premises are your responsibility.
It’s important to note that councils are responsible for all blockages on properties they manage, highway drains and gulleys.
Frequently asked questions
When it comes to your water supply, a leak on your private supply pipework could cost your business money in the form of higher water and sewerage bills. Remember, fixing private leaks is your responsibility, so understanding your responsibility and acting quickly can save your business money.
When it comes to your sewerage connection, if you damage your private sewerage pipe or flush things that shouldn’t be flushed such as wet wipes, then you could potentially cause a blockage and pollution in either your premises or your local community.
Sometimes, if you’re experiencing no water or a drop in water pressure, it could be a leak on your private pipework rather than the public network. If you suspect a private leak, read our advice here on how to find it. If needed you can contact a local, approved plumber for assistance at WaterSafe.
If none of your neighbouring premises have any problems, it is likely the blockage is on your private pipes. If you have a problem with any of your private pipes contact a reputable drainage contractor, who will be able to help you. The costs of fixing any faults on this pipework will be yours or your business insurers.
If you believe an issue is Welsh Water’s responsibility, or are unsure, please contact us below. You can check for known issues which we are already working on or report a new issue for us to investigate.
Contact Us
If you are an open water customer you can contact us here.
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Out of hours: 0800 260 5053