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Author Topic: Water Companies to take over pipes and drainage  (Read 12619 times)

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Philofacts

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Water Companies to take over pipes and drainage
« on: June 24, 2011, 11:51:04 am »
As we reported at Water Companies take over private sewers

Water companies are due to take over responsibility for the water supply pipe inside the property boundary in October 2011.

At the moment, at least for the next three months, it is the homeowner's responsibility and companies such as HOMESERVE
make money by getting you to take out relatively unnecessary insurance of this pipe.

However, the water companies are still,even now,sending out letters with direct debits attached trying to get homeowners
to sign up with Homeserve to insure this supply pipe knowing it will soon be down the them  DISGRACEFUL!
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Philofacts

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Re: Water Companies to take over pipes and drainage
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2011, 11:58:42 am »
Most householders will shortly receive a notification of the change of ownership of private sewers.
You should note that the underground drainage pipework up to the boundary will still the responsibility of the home owner.
These are called 'PRIVATE DRAINS'

However, for the privilege of paying your water company an EXTRA £3 to £14 a yearPRIVATE SEWERS and LATERAL DRAINS will become the water company's responsibility on 1st October 2011.

For owners of new homes, during the first two years your housebuilder is required to attend to any problems with drainage and thereafter, any major drainage problems (as a result of NHBC standards not being followed) are covered by your NHBC Buildmark Warranty.

Add in the fact that adoptable sewers are generally inspected and built to higher Water Authority Specifications, it is highly unlikely that any owner of a newly-built home will benefit from the change in the ownership of sewers.  Certainly not for extra charges - equivalent to a a price increase of 7%.


See above  links for more details.
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Philofacts

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Re: Water Companies to take over pipes and drainage
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2011, 09:18:59 am »
Having appealed against the transfer I received an e mail form ofwat which amongst other things stated:
"The WIA91 allows appeals concerning the transfer of private sewers and lateral drains on specific grounds. Ofwat is responsible for considering and deciding such appeals and that is our only role in the transfer process.  Please note that a successful appeal, resulting in the lateral drain and/or private sewer serving your property does not transfer, will not affect your liability for future charges" .

So even if you win your appeal and the water authority does not take over ownership of your drainage, you will still be charged!

AND you cannot really appeal right now anyway as:
"We have consulted on our guidance for submitting and handling such appeals. We issued our consultation on 15 June for a four week period to 13 July.  We are currently considering responses and aim to publish final guidance by the end of July.  But in the meantime you will information about the grounds for appeal in the draft document.  If you wish to submit an appeal, you need to provide the information and evidence requested, as set out in the draft appeal form."

More Red Tape from HM Government providing jobs that are not necessary!
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The Brickkicker

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Re: Water Companies to take over pipes and drainage
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2011, 10:01:37 am »
and about time too

stop everyone getting junk mail asking them to sign up for insurance that covers them

when the chances are so slim of a claim
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Philofacts

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Re: Water Companies to take over pipes and drainage
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2011, 10:18:05 am »
But this will cost everyone around £14 a year MORE in standing charges.
At least with the junk mail you could choose not to pay for insurance and  throw it away!
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