First Fix Free leak repairs
The First Fix Free scheme aims to help reduce the amount of water wasted through leaks on customers' properties.
The First Fix Free scheme aims to help reduce the amount of water wasted through leaks on customers' properties. Uisce Éireann estimates* that over 234 million litres of water per day have been saved as a result of this scheme to the end of 2023.
If we have contacted you about a suspected leak on your external water supply pipe you may qualify for the scheme. The First Fix Free scheme offers:
- A free investigation if your water meter has indicated a possible leak on your external supply pipe.
- A free repair of the leak if the water leak is identified on the external supply pipe. This is subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme which you can read below.
*First Fix Leak Repair Scheme For Domestic Water Customers Report 2023.
Uisce Éireann's First Fix Leak Repair Scheme policy document outlines the administration of the scheme including the eligibility criteria and the process to avail of a free leak investigation and repair. The policy was originally approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to apply to metered domestic customers from 2015 and was extended to include unmetered domestic and mixed-use customers from 2021.
Who is eligible for the First Fix Free scheme?
You are eligible for the First Fix Free scheme if you are a domestic or mixed use customer* with a confirmed leak on your external supply pipe.
* must be deemed by Uisce Éireann to predominantly use water for domestic purposes
On 19 April 2021 the CRU approved the following changes, thereby expanding eligibility, to the First Fix Scheme:
- Unmetered domestic customers can now avail of the scheme
- Mixed use customers with predominant domestic water can now avail of the scheme
- Customers no longer need to be registered with Uisce Éireann to avail of the scheme
- Customers with no Internal Stop Valve can now avail of the scheme
- Customers with a shared service connection can now avail of the scheme
First Fix Free scheme process
Uisce Éireann contacts customer
Customer completes home-check
Customer requests free investigation
Uisce Éireann contractor calls customer
Contractor investigates leak
Customer receives fix scheme and form
(The property owner must sign this consent form in order for the leak to be repaired. The acceptance form is subject to terms and conditions of the scheme).
Appointment scheduled
Register online for the First Fix Free scheme
Check and repair water leaks in your home
There are four simple checks you can do to see if you have any internal plumbing issues in your home.
If you find a water leak inside your home, and not on the external supply pipe, you will need to arrange your own repair. As with any home maintenance you are responsible for the pipes on your property and inside your home. Uisce Éireann is responsible for all pipes on the public side.
Water supply layout
See the image below for a typical water supply layout in a home with a water meter.
A = public water main
B = water meter and outside stop valve
C = external supply pipe
D = internal supply pipe
E = inside stop valve
F = over flow pipe
What our customers are saying about First Fix Free
“Excellent, speedy service. Exceeded the call of duty. Crew fixing my leak outside the front door were mannerly, efficient and thorough. Irish public service has grown up.”
Eoin, Dublin
“All the staff were courteous and professional. The work was completed with minimum disruption to the garden paving. It was checked in the days following completion for any leaks. A thoroughly professional job.”
Jim, Limerick
