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Plumbing

Rainwater tracking in via the supply pipe into cellar - council liability?

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.51 PM

Hi, I live in a terraced property and the house immediately faces a public road and pavement. The council recently replaced the paving stones of the pavement with tarmac using excavators and heavy plant. As they did so, rainwater began to leak in around the supply pipe (i.e. through the orifice that the supply pipe enters my cellar, tracking down the pipe). United utilities were contact but they said that it’s not a leak (it’s rainwater) therefore not their problem. I have received advice saying I should get the council to fix it and that it’s best solved by sealing around the pipe as it enters the property boundary (i.e. as it enters the bricks). This remedy would of course mean excavating a hole in the newly laid tarmac. My questions are: can I ask the council to fix it? (I have already asked but they haven’t responded) Can I do the work and charge the council? Do I need a permit to dig up the public footpath? A further question is: should I just try seal around where it enters my cellar? It’s surrounded in a sort of plastic sheath filled with an unknown filler material, water seems to be travelling through that sheath. The external stopcock is semi-covered with tarmac now but I could probably chisel and crowbar it open

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

4 Answers

Vybes Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Walsall
I'm not a lawyer or a council representative, but I can provide you with some general information that might help you address your situation. It's essential to consult with legal professionals or local authorities for specific advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact the Council: You've already contacted the council, which is the right first step. Ensure you have a record of your communication with them (emails, letters, phone call logs) for future reference. Request Repairs: Continue to follow up with the council regarding your issue. Politely request that they address the problem since the water leakage appears to be a result of their recent pavement replacement work. Document the Issue: Document the water leakage issue thoroughly. Take clear photographs or videos that demonstrate the problem, especially during rainfall, to provide evidence of the damage. Repairing Yourself and Charging the Council: Before you take matters into your own hands and incur expenses, it's crucial to clarify your legal rights. In some cases, individuals can make necessary repairs and seek reimbursement from the responsible party, which may be the council in this situation. Consult with a legal professional to understand the legal process for seeking reimbursement for any work you undertake on public property. Permit to Dig up the Public Footpath: You will likely need permission or a permit to dig up the public footpath, as it is public property. This usually involves contacting your local council or relevant authorities to obtain the necessary permits. Failing to obtain the required permits before excavation can lead to legal issues or fines. Sealing around the Pipe: If you are considering sealing around the pipe entering your property, it might be a temporary solution to prevent water ingress into your cellar. However, you should still pursue the council's involvement to address the root cause of the issue, as sealing around the pipe may not fully resolve it. Consult Legal Professionals: If the council does not respond or refuses to take responsibility, it's advisable to consult with a solicitor or attorney specializing in property and municipal law. They can provide you with legal guidance and assist you in dealing with the situation. Remember that local laws and regulations can vary significantly, so it's crucial to seek advice from professionals who are familiar with your specific jurisdiction and circumstances to ensure you take the appropriate steps to resolve this issue.
Answered18 September 2023
1

A1 MULTI-TRADE LTD

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Whitby
ring the council and get them back to do the job properly and make sure there is no leakage when they have finished. or get in touch with their complaints department. you should not have to pay for their mistakes and shoddy work. you pay enough council tax to the council, why do you want to fork out more money to repair damage they have done?
Answered13 September 2023
0

Can Coating Meter Ltd

No reviews yet

Malvern
Getting lawyers involved is likely going to rack up more cost than fixing it yourself. It would be very difficult to prove the rainwater entering your property was caused by the work the council did. Can you claim on insurance? Otherwise personally I’d pay the cost and save the hassle. In my opinion the problem was with your house anyway and you should be grateful your council maintains the pavements - many don’t.
Answered23 September 2023
0

PLUMBER2DAY LIMITED

Rating: 5 out of 5
Leeds
From the streets stop tap to your property is your responsibility, The only way you can get the water board to change it for free is through the lead replacement scheme assuming it’s lead, Sounds nothing of a job for a seasoned plumber,
Answered24 September 2023
0