If you’ve just moved and you don't know who your new water supplier is, your landlord or the previous homeowners will likely be able to tell you which company supplies your water.
If they have already told you, and you’ve forgotten which water company supplies you, don’t worry. This article will help you find out without asking your neighbours or the previous owners again.
Online tools make it easy to determine which water supplier operates in your area. Water.org has an online postcode checker that can quickly identify your water supplier.
If your postcode does not appear on the checker, you can do a manual search using the Ofwat website. It contains a complete list of contact details.
Each area has a dedicated water supplier, this is:
For England or Wales, your water supplier is one of the private companies listed below.
If you’ve discovered that your new provider only deals with water, you may also have to look for the company that collects your wastewater. You can also find this by using the online postcode checker.
If there’s a water-related emergency, such as flooding or a leak, you should turn off your stopcock immediately and contact your water supplier.
If your external stopcock is located outside your property boundary, it is the responsibility of your local water company. Even in emergencies, you will need permission from your water supplier to turn it off.
If you don’t know who your water supplier is, you can quickly turn off your internal stopcock. Depending on your home's layout, this is usually located under the kitchen sink, under the stairs, in an airing cupboard, in the utility room, or in the downstairs toilet.
Our article, ‘How to find your outside stopcock,’ explains where your internal and external stopcocks are and how to turn them off.
While waiting for professional help, you should also turn off your electricity and heating to prevent danger or further damage.
Your water supplier is responsible for water main pipe repairs as these large pipes carry water through the streets and pavements.
Property owners are responsible for water main pipes from the street to your internal stopcock. Find out more about your responsibility as a homeowner in our article, Private drains and sewers.
If you rent your home, your landlord or letting agent will need to repair any leaks, which is the homeowner's responsibility. If they have the necessary skills and experience, they should fix the issue themselves or call a plumber out immediately.
Problems you should report to your water company include:
Alongside reporting problems, you can visit your water service provider's website to find out what's going on in your area and the reported problems near you.
If you suspect that a broken water main supply pipe is to blame, then you can call the water board to assess the damage and identify the cause of the leak.
If you have an issue with your drainage system, such as a blocked or damaged drain, the team at Lanes is always here to help.
Call 0800 526 488 to learn more about our domestic drain repair and relining services, or contact us online via an enquiry form.