Published: Wednesday 31 January 2024
Have you ever had water leak into, or from, your home? Such incidents can cause a lot of damage requiring urgent, costly repair. And water leaks don’t discriminate, so whether you’re a Council tenant or a leaseholder, or maybe living in some other type of tenure, we all need to work together to reduce the possibility of these things happening.
The Council is generally responsible for the communal pipes that serve our properties and any plumbing within tenants’ flats, but leaseholders are responsible for the pipes that are used exclusively in their flat and demise; this includes the tiles, grouting seals and sealants.
Leaseholders should be mindful that the Council may take potentially costly action against you if you cause a leak resulting in damage to a communal area or another tenanted flat. You should also be aware that you need to contact the Council’s Home Ownership team if you are planning any alterations or improvement work within your property.
While the following advice is provided primarily to assist leaseholders manage their properties, Council tenants should also be mindful of these measures and inform Customer Services if they notice any telltale signs of potential water leaks in their home or that of a neighbour which suggest urgent repairs are required.
How can I limit damage to my flat or the flat below?
• Inspect pipes, taps, and appliances periodically for signs of wear and tear
• Make sure damaged grout or tiles in showers or wet rooms are replaced or fixed
• Check sealants and seals to baths, basins, worktops etc.
• Check for any leaks underneath baths on a regular basis by accessing the hatch or by carefully removing a side panel
• Don’t switch on washing machines or dishwashers when no one will be at home for the duration of the cycle
• Check for blockages to wastepipes to sinks, baths, showers etc.
• Keep an eye out for damp patches on walls and ceilings, as these can be early indicators of a leak
What can I do if a leak occurs in my flat?
• Identify and halt the source of the leak.
• Turn off the water supply if the source of the leak is within your flat to prevent further damage.
• If the leak is serious, warn downstairs neighbours that they may experience water ingress in their flat.
• Inform Customer Services (0800 137 111) about the leak.
What if the leak is coming from a neighbouring flat?
• Knock on your neighbour's door to try and establish the source of the problem and alert your landlord. Tactful communication is key; you may need to request access to their property to identify the source and potentially halt the flow if they cannot do so themselves.
• Inform Customer Services (0800 137 111) about the leak (and do the same if the leak is in a communal area)
Insurance can often provide a financial safety net in the event of a water leak; however, exactly what is covered in the event of any claim can vary widely, be it a buildings or contents-based policy. Ensure your cover is sufficient to effect repairs to, and/or replace, the things you value most.