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I recently switched from an unmetered (rateable value) supply to a metered supply with Severn Trent. Three months later, I received a very high bill, so I followed their leak‑diagnosis steps.
1. Initial Leak Diagnosis
- My external meter (in the pavement) showed high usage and the leak indicator was spinning.
- I isolated my internal stop tap, but the meter still advanced.
- Severn Trent’s billing team told me this indicated a leak on my private supply pipe.
- Based on this, I contacted a Severn Trent–approved WIAPS plumber.
2. Plumber’s Assessment
- Plumber attended and said he could hear a “small leak” on my old lead supply pipe.
- He recommended a full replacement of the 23m supply line.
- I agreed, assuming the diagnosis was correct.
3. Pipe Replacement & Discovery of a Shared Supply
- The plumber replaced the entire supply line.
- As they were backfilling, a neighbour a few doors down reported their water had gone off.
- It turned out the supply was shared between several houses.
- My old lead pipe was not leaking.
- The plumber had to dig again, reconnect the shared supply, and cap off my old pipe.
4. The Real Problem Identified
- The reason the leak indicator was spinning was because Severn Trent had installed my meter on a shared supply, even though the other houses all have internal meters.
- So my meter was measuring everyone’s usage, not just mine.
- This made it look like I had a leak when I didn’t.
5. Severn Trent’s Response So Far
- Over the phone, Severn Trent have already admitted the meter appears to be incorrectly fitted.
- An engineer is visiting to formally confirm this.
- They have temporarily reduced my direct debit.
- They have said I can apply for a free lead‑replacement connection (which would put me on my own supply).
6. Current Situation
- I now have a brand‑new 32mm MDPE supply pipe that I didn’t actually need.
- The plumber has issued the invoice and needs to return to expose the connection again so Severn Trent can connect the new line.
- I’m unsure who is liable for the cost:
- Severn Trent (for mis‑metering and causing the false diagnosis)
- The plumber (for not identifying the shared supply)
- Or me (for acting on incorrect information)
7. What I’m Trying to Decide
- Should I pay the plumber in full?
- Should I wait for Severn Trent’s formal findings?
- Should I challenge the plumber for misdiagnosis?
- Should I ask Severn Trent for compensation for unnecessary work?
1. Initial Leak Diagnosis
- My external meter (in the pavement) showed high usage and the leak indicator was spinning.
- I isolated my internal stop tap, but the meter still advanced.
- Severn Trent’s billing team told me this indicated a leak on my private supply pipe.
- Based on this, I contacted a Severn Trent–approved WIAPS plumber.
2. Plumber’s Assessment
- Plumber attended and said he could hear a “small leak” on my old lead supply pipe.
- He recommended a full replacement of the 23m supply line.
- I agreed, assuming the diagnosis was correct.
3. Pipe Replacement & Discovery of a Shared Supply
- The plumber replaced the entire supply line.
- As they were backfilling, a neighbour a few doors down reported their water had gone off.
- It turned out the supply was shared between several houses.
- My old lead pipe was not leaking.
- The plumber had to dig again, reconnect the shared supply, and cap off my old pipe.
4. The Real Problem Identified
- The reason the leak indicator was spinning was because Severn Trent had installed my meter on a shared supply, even though the other houses all have internal meters.
- So my meter was measuring everyone’s usage, not just mine.
- This made it look like I had a leak when I didn’t.
5. Severn Trent’s Response So Far
- Over the phone, Severn Trent have already admitted the meter appears to be incorrectly fitted.
- An engineer is visiting to formally confirm this.
- They have temporarily reduced my direct debit.
- They have said I can apply for a free lead‑replacement connection (which would put me on my own supply).
6. Current Situation
- I now have a brand‑new 32mm MDPE supply pipe that I didn’t actually need.
- The plumber has issued the invoice and needs to return to expose the connection again so Severn Trent can connect the new line.
- I’m unsure who is liable for the cost:
- Severn Trent (for mis‑metering and causing the false diagnosis)
- The plumber (for not identifying the shared supply)
- Or me (for acting on incorrect information)
7. What I’m Trying to Decide
- Should I pay the plumber in full?
- Should I wait for Severn Trent’s formal findings?
- Should I challenge the plumber for misdiagnosis?
- Should I ask Severn Trent for compensation for unnecessary work?