Precedent - shared cost

[puzzledvery]

Some work was done on a shared problem, the cost of which I believe (according to web information) should be equally shared between me and neighbours.
Neighbours are not willing to pay anything, it seems, though it was not I who called out the tradesman. If I pay my share, without them paying theirs, would I be implying that I am responsible for the whole cost? My main concern is that it may set a precedent for any similar future problem, rather than the present cost. Apologies if this seems vague, it's just the principle of the matter that concerns me.

[islandgirl]

Did the neighbours call the tradesman?

[puzzledvery]

Yes. The problem was found to be (just about) on my property. I feel as if I was pushed into the situation.

[puzzledvery]

At first, the problem was thought to be elsewhere.

[Anna1972]

The contract is any is it at both names? Neighbours and yours?

[puzzledvery]

There is no contract. Nothing was written down at all.

[puzzledvery]

But is there an unwritten contract because the work was done...

[puzzledvery]

Would be grateful for any advice, so I can decide what to do.

[ostell]

So the fault was on your property so you would be liable for the cost anyway.

[puzzledvery]

Even though the web info says the cost should be shared equally no matter on which property the problem is?

[islandgirl]

I think it matters what the problem is. Also what any deeds say about shared upkeep of something. Is it likely to reoccur?

[puzzledvery]

A utility, whose website says if the utility is shared, the cost of the repair should be shared equally between the householders, no matter whose property the problem occurred on (which affected at least one other and I didn't even know about the fault until both sets of neighbours bustled into the situation).

[puzzledvery]

The utility would not have been available when the houses were built, I believe.

[islandgirl]

Well I suppose you could contact the utility company and ask them to write to the neighbours about their obligations and then bill them their share (cost divided between ALL properties not just the one who called out the tradesman).

[des8]

Should we assume this is a shared water supply off the main.
If so the cost is normally to be shared by all who are affected.
So in a row of 6 houses, if the leak is on the third property along owners of houses 3,4,5 & 6 share the cost of repair, but if the leak is on the 6th property that owner bears the cost.

Don't be coy about giving full details