we may need to have a new water pipe layed, our house is less than 10 years old, who should pay?

Question

There has been a water leak identified between our house and the water meter, most probably at the meter end. If the pipe needs to be replaced can I make a claim through the new buildings certificate? Our house is 8 years old, we have only been here for 4 of those, I do not have a copy of the certificate, how would I go about getting a copy? and who is responsible?

Answer 1

the water company should foot the bill.. Plus a new build are under warrenty for at least 10 years..

Answer 2

Just answering to put the first 2 answers right:

Insurance will not pay, a water leak is general wear and tear. Unless a tree has been uprooted or something ( but it doesn't sound like it from your question )

The water company is not responsible for the water pipe from the stopcock onwards. The stockcock is normally located in the road, the meter in new houses is on the wall to the house. You are responsible for the pipe between.

Some people here say "from the meter onwards", thats not right, its the stopcock
Some Water companies will repair leaks ( at thier own time convinience ) in your ground. This is just thier own good will to help reduce leaks. Asking them the question can open up a mindfield as they can then put you on 7/14/28 days notice to get it fixed yourself.

Personally, I'd take responsibility and dig it up myself, its only a cheap job

Answer 3

There is a water pipe that was used for a while that will break and lead virtually automatically. If the break is on your side of the meter, then you have to pay. Dig down and see what color the pipe is, if it is plastic, and ask some at a plumbing supply. You might be able to read what kind of pipe it is (brand, or what it is made of) and give that information to a plumbing supply. If the line is copper,the repair should be easy, same with galvanized pipe. If the pipe is the type that is known to break, there is a big law suit against the company, you can call them and see what they will do - but I would guess that all they will do, if anything, is to give you replacement pipe. It is that type of pipe and it runs to the house, then prepare yourself for a trench in the yard to put new pipe in.

Answer 4

Since the leak is on your side of the meter, I can guarantee you that the utility providing the water isn't going to pay for the new pipe. Since your house is eight years old, it's likely that any and all warranties have since expired. Unless your homeowners insurance would pay for the new pipe, it looks like you're going to have to bear the cost yourself.

Answer 5

If the pipe is within your property boundary, then im afraid that you will have to pay, its as simple as that, alternatively, if you can get in touch with the company that built your proprty (I hope you know it) then they should have a copy of the warranty, and as a new build then they are responsibly for having the pipes fixed or replaced.

Answer 6

I think the home owner is on the hook for anything from the meter into the house.

There is:
Water company
General building contractor
Plumber (sub contractor I expect)
Inspector
Former owner
You
(did I miss anyone?)

Who do you think should be responsible? (other than anyone but you).

Sorry, don't infer I like my answer but that's who I believe will wind up with the bill.

Answer 7

I don;t know where you are writing from but MOST states have a statutory limit on Home defects of a MAXIMUM of six years.

If it is on YOUR side of the meter it will be your responsibility-

But don't dispair- water lines are EASY TO FIX! it is a pain to find them sometimes but they are usually SUPER EASY to fix.

Good luck- it will be OK.

Answer 8

You'll have to pay unless you have a home warranty that will cover it.

Answer 9

sounds like ua re gonna have to pay ......although you may be covered in ya insurance ,it depends on the type

shouldnt be too expensive tho ..

Answer 10

if builder was nhbc registered theres your contact