water works

[sheldon5]

can someone help. my neighbour is digging footings for an extension (single storey) and has encountered a problem with water, it appears that the water is coming from my property (there was not a problem before the building work started) and has told me that I need to get it repaired and pay for it. I wish to find out where I stand legally on this matter, and was wondering if someone could help or point me in the right direction,

 

[^woody^]

What is the probelm? A burst main or just a high water table or what?

If its a burst, find the problem bit of pipe and fix it. If the burst section is in the neighbours trench, then that gives it away a bit, otherwise its your responsibility to fix

I'm not surprised you didn't notice it before if its underground

 

[noseall]

are you digging into clay?

 

[breezer]

vague possibility it may be a spring

 

[sheldon5]

thanks for ideas. it was a high water table and yes they are digging into clay. they were just a bit quick to point blame i think

 

[noseall]

this it is not uncommon in a high water table area.

water will gather at the weak points i.e. around the foundation concrete trenches. disturb the ground near to these trenches and you will disturb the water and it will trickle in.

i've seen it, done it, been there.

water will travel to the least point of resistance. this is why land drains are so effective.