wrote:

ok. The pipework in question is buried in gardens, and the user has no
way of knowing its leaking like mad until they get an astronomical
bill. With unmetered supplies this real risk doesnt exist.

So whereas it is not your problem if youre unmetered, it becomes your
problem if on a meter.

You could say it is an even greater risk to your property if the leak
goes undetected. Especially for places built on clay soils. The
resulting "heave" for excess ground water can damage foundations and
cause settlement problems. The water meter may in that case save you
from much bigger problems.

I am sure you can insure against underground pipework problems like
this. It may be prudent to take out insurance for the first year after a
meter goes in to cover this eventuality. Once you are up and running (no
pun intended) cancel the insurance.


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/