Leaking water supply pipe in Reading: who pays to fix it?

A soggy patch on the front lawn, a meter that keeps turning, or a sudden jump in your water bill can all point to a leak on the pipe that brings water into your home. In Reading, the water company is Thames Water, and the rules on who fixes what are clear once you know which pipe is which.

Who owns which water pipe?

• The water main under the road: Thames Water.
• The communication pipe, from the main to your property boundary or outside stop valve: Thames Water.
• The supply pipe, from your boundary into your home: you, as the property owner.
• All the plumbing inside your home: you.
• A supply pipe shared with neighbours: shared between the homes it serves.
• If you rent: your landlord is responsible for repairing leaks, so report it to them.

Signs your supply pipe is leaking

• A wet or unusually green patch in the garden or on the drive, especially in dry weather.
• The sound of running water when every tap is off.
• Lower water pressure than usual.
• A water bill that has jumped for no obvious reason, if you have a meter.
• Damp on the floor or wall where the pipe enters the house.

How to check your water meter for a leak

1. Turn off every tap and appliance that uses water, and make sure nothing is filling, such as a toilet cistern or loft tank.
2. Read the meter and write down the numbers, or take a photo.
3. Wait at least 30 minutes without using any water.
4. Read the meter again. If the numbers have moved, water is escaping somewhere.
5. To narrow it down, turn off your inside stop valve and repeat. If the meter still moves, the leak is likely on the supply pipe outside. If it stops, the leak is likely inside your home.

Some meters sit in the pavement under a small cover. Only lift a cover that's easy and safe to open, and never put your hand in standing water you can't see into.

Will Thames Water fix a supply pipe leak for free?

Possibly. Thames Water's customer leakage conditions say it may be able to help by fixing a leak on your supply pipe for free, up to where the pipe enters the building. Whether it can depends on its conditions, including whether the repair is covered by your insurance. It's worth contacting Thames Water before you book a private repair.

Thames Water also says that once a leak on your pipe is confirmed, it should be repaired within four weeks. Leaving it can waste a lot of water and, with a meter, a lot of money.

What does a supply pipe repair cost?

These are typical UK ranges checked in November 2026. Expect South East prices to sit at the upper end.

• Repairing a single leak or burst on an accessible pipe: typically £100 to £500 or more.
• Replacing a short supply pipe run under open lawn: typically £400 to £700.
• Replacing a typical front garden run: typically £450 to £1,500 or more, depending on length and access.
• Replacing a long run under a driveway or patio, including making good: typically £1,500 to £3,000 or more.
• Moling, which pulls a new pipe underground between two small holes: around £250 to £500 for the machine and operator.

Leaks in the road or pavement

If water is coming up in the road, the pavement or anywhere outside your boundary, it's most likely Thames Water's pipe. Report it to Thames Water rather than calling a plumber. Its 24 hour emergency line is 0800 316 9800.

Should you repair or replace the supply pipe?

If the pipe is modern blue plastic and the leak is at one joint, a repair usually makes sense. If it's old lead or iron pipe, a plumber may suggest replacing the whole run, as more leaks often follow. Replacing an old lead supply pipe may also mean Thames Water replaces its own lead section under its lead pipe scheme.