Water supply pipe repairs: What you need to know

While water supply pipe repairs aren’t something you can do with a spanner and a how-to video, we’ll help you understand what’s going on and what to do next. 

What’s a water supply pipe anyway?

It’s the underground pipe that brings clean, drinkable water from the mains water pipe straight to your home. You’ve probably never seen it—but if it springs a leak, you’ll know about it. 

Signs your water supply pipe might be leaking

Leaks can be sneaky, but here’s what to watch for: 

• Low water pressure and water flow – Taps trickling? Shower slacking? A leak could be slowing things down. 

• Damp patches – If the ground outside never seems to dry, your pipe might be the reason. 

• Waterlogged garden – If your garden is wet and marshy even in a heatwave, something’s up. 

• High water bills – Leaks mean wasted water, which equals higher costs. 

If you can see signs of a leak in the main road outside your home, then there might be a problem with the water main or communication pipes. These pipes are both owned by the water company, so give them a call. 

Who’s responsible for my water supply pipe?

If the leak is on your property, it’s your job to sort it.   

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached home you might share the pipe with neighbours—so if they’re affected too, you could split the repair cost. 

The diagram shows how the position of the leak can change who is responsible for a shared water supply pipe.

Water supply pipe repairs – next steps

Start by calling your water company. Ask: 

• Are there any known issues in your area? 

• Is your pipe part of a shared water supply pipe? 

• Can they help locate the leak? 

If it’s not their responsibility, it’s time to call a water supply pipe engineer. Luckily, we know a few and you can book one in minutes. They’ll: 

• Find the leak 

• Dig down to the pipe 

• Repair the damage 

• Fill everything back in and tidy up 

Is a leaking water supply pipe an emergency?

It can be—especially if the leak’s causing damage to your land or property. Even slow leaks can cause big problems over time, so don’t ignore it. 

How much do water supply pipe repairs cost?

According to BCIS data* the average cost of excavating and repairing a water supply pipe leak is £661.81.  

With Ding, you can get a qualified water supply pipe engineer to fix the problem from £420. 

Leaky pipes, meet Ding 

Water supply pipe repairs aren’t a DIY job—but with Ding, you’re just a few taps away from expert help. Fast, friendly, and hassle-free. 

Book your repair today. Just Ding it. 

Written by:

Liam Sharkey

Service Excellence Coach

With 18 plus years of plumbing and drainage experience, Liam has got more than a few useful tips about how to tackle those common plumbing problems. He's completed jobs for homeowners and even massive events like the 2012 Olympics! Now, he works with our engineers in the field, giving them advice and support with those particularly tricky jobs.

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*£661.81 according to BCIS data. BCIS© Research, September 2024 (prices include labour, parts, call out charges and VAT)