No free fix for leaks if not registered with Irish Water

Homeowners will be denied a free fix of water leaks on their property unless they first register with Irish Water and have a meter installed, the energy regulator has ruled.

The regulator has also decided that Irish Water will only offer a free fix where a leak is found on an external pipe between the point of entry to the house and the property boundary but not inside the owner’s building. An owner will continue to be responsible for leaks inside a house or apartment.

The energy regulator announced the new criteria and information around Irish Water’s first free fix policy as it confirmed that the company had agreed to spend €51m this year and next fixing first leaks identified for free.