London Basement Company sues Thames Water over water leak

Construction firm London Basement Company has launched a legal battle against Thames Water Utilities over a water leak that it says damaged one of its projects.

The company, which specialises in turning basements into residential accommodation, is suing over a project at 21 Worfield Street, London SW11.

The write says that after work on converting the basement was finished in June 2002, the company’s construction manager told Thames Water that there was a damp patch visible on the surface of the road, and he suspected a leak in the water main.

Days later, water escaped into the basement at Worfield Street, damaging the newly laid basement, the walls and the fabric. On 5 August 2002, workmen excavated the road, discovered a fractured water main and repaired it.

London Basement Company repaired the damage and reinstated the tanking and hermetic seals of the basement for owners Mr and Mrs Wooderson, at a cost of £82,660 plus VAT. The Woodersons also spent almost £20,000 on storing furniture and relocation while their basement was repaired between August and October 2002.

London Basement Company claims the water authority is liable for loss and damage caused by escaping water, and is seeking damages for its losses.