This information applies to Scotland only

On this page you can find out who has responsibility for water pipes and fixing leaks. There is also information about what happens if water is wasted because of a leak that does not get repaired.

Water pipes and who’s responsible

Home owners

When you own your home you are responsible for all the pipes in the house and the pipes that go to the boundary of your property to join up with the stop-cock for the mains pipe. If you have a leak in your pipes you have to fix it.

If you are in a tenement property where the outer water piping is shared you all share the responsibility for the maintenance of the pipes. If there is a leak you have to share the cost according to the rules that apply from title deeds or the alternative statutory tenant management scheme rules.

If there is a leak in the mains pipes it is Scottish Water who has to fix it. This is because the mains pipes bringing the supply to your property are the responsibility of Scottish Water up to the boundary with your property.

Tenants

If you are a tenant and there is a water leak from pipes in the property you rent you have to get the home owner/landlord to fix it. If they fail to repair it properly and there is a risk to your health or ability to live in the property you can contact the water authority yourself.

Most landlords are duty bound by a standard called the 'repairing standard'. If the water pipes and installations are not kept in proper repair the tenant can report the landlord to the Private Rented Housing Panel.

More about resolving disputes relating to repairs

Wasted water

If you don’t repair water pipes when there is a leak and you are responsible for the pipes that are leaking Scottish Water can come and fix any pipes that are accessible, if water is being wasted. It will send you the bill for the repair.

If you don’t fix a water pipe that you have responsibility for and water is being wasted but Scottish Water need access to fix it you will get a warning letter 24 hours before it intends to come. If you refuse to give Scottish Water access to fix the water pipe it can get a warrant from a Justice of the Peace to force entry after 24 hours to repair it.

If there is water running in a public area and you think it is being wasted you should contact Scottish Water or the environmental health department of your local authority if you know it is from a private supply.

Cold weather problems

In severe winters it is sensible to take some precautions to make sure your home, holiday home or business does not get burst pipes. Scottish Water has put together a 'winter code' for protecting pipes. The main message it provides is that you should heat, insulate and protect your pipes. There is more information at www.scottishwater.org.uk/winter.

Financial help for heating may be available to you because of your age, income, disability or other special health needs or weather conditions.

More about financial help

Insurance for damage from water leaks and burst pipes

Check what insurance cover you have for damage from water leaks. You may have cover included in a maintenance package with one of the utilities like Scottish Gas.

Most buildings insurance policies cover the cost of repairs because of pipes bursting or water leaking. Check the terms and conditions because if you leave a property empty and the damage occurs then you might not be covered for this loss.

More about buildings and content insurance