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Discuss Neighbours boiler leaks into my garden, what are my rights? in the Central Heating Forum area at PlumbersForums.net

L

Lukerob123

I want to ask what my legal rights are, so I noticed the house I own has both the neighbours waste pipe and also the boiler has release coming onto my property. (Sorry I am not very technical but can add an image maybe that should make it make sense). It appears this is due to an extension on their house.

Anyway, there is an issue where water consistently runs from the water waste pipe (I have been told this is toxic), I have spoken to him and he has told me he will get it looked at. It has been 3 weeks and still no movement to say he has booked a date or anything. Would rather this all go amicable to avoid the obvious nightmare neighbours situation but also want to know my rights so I’m not able to be easily fobbed off. He seems to think his property line is slightly overlapping but this wouldn’t make sense as it is all bricked off from their side.

Firstly, can either run onto my land at all? If not how much of a job is it to move it completely? I do want it gone but also need to understand there is an increased cost of living and a major expense is quite likely going to get some push back.

Thanks to anyone who has advice in advance.
 
Any pictures of said pipe / leak ?
 
If this is in the U.K, then waste pipes for foul water, from toilets sinks etc, quite commonly runs across neighbouring properties to sewers in the street, it's the most cost effective way when houses are built.
They have done since modern houses with plumbing were first built and still do with a lot new houses built today, particularly on estates.

When the foul water pipes are in common use for more than 1 property the responsibility to unblock and maintain repair and replace is with the local water company, also permission is required to alter them even if they are on your land.

Regards the boiler, do you mean the flue discharges over your property, looks like white smoke but contains water vapour, hence the colour?
Is this since the recent extension or has it always done so?

Did the neighbours builders / plumbers come onto your property to carry out any work re the extension?
 
As far as where the actual legal boundary of the property is, in the UK this is a very complicated matter. Land Registry maps show the "general boundary" and so cannot be used as anything more than a very rough guide that there is a boundary somewhere around there (and will almost certainly show the wall as the general boundary even if the legal boundary is to one side). Plus, many boundaries are not entirely straight or parallel to each other anyway.

It is entirely possible that the wall was built inside the boundary to allow the pipes to be fitted, and even if it isn't, if it has been there 10 years, then the neighbour might be able to claim adverse possession and make it his if it isn't already as he has occupied it with his pipes.

If it was like that when you bought the place, it would be reasonable to assume that, whoever's land it was, it was done with both parties' consent and that is the situation you inherited.

If you (unlikely) have a boundary agreement in place, then you can be accurate to 10mm - and lucky you.

As far as what is actually being discharged, the building regulations apply - whoever's land it is and whatever may have been agreed when the boiler was installed. And we need photos to understand what you are on about.
 
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