Service connection (water, sewer, gas, power)

A service connection (přípojka) links a building to a public utility network. A water connection runs from the branch off the water main to the water meter; a sewer connection from the outlet of the building's internal drainage to the public sewer. A gas connection starts at the branch from the distribution pipeline and ends before the main gas valve. Under the distribution system operating rules, a low-voltage electricity connection normally ends in the connection box, i.e. the main fuse box or cable box of the building.

Who owns and pays for it

Under the Water Supply and Sewerage Act, water and sewer connections are separate structures and not water works. The customer pays for them unless agreed otherwise, and whoever paid owns them. For older connections the owner of the connected land or building is presumed to be the owner unless proven otherwise. The water or sewer operator repairs and maintains connections under public spaces; other work is paid by the connection's owner.

A low-voltage electricity connection is built at the distributor's expense within a built-up area, or outside it if it is up to 50 m long; a longer one outside the built-up area is paid by the applicant. The electricity connection belongs to whoever paid for it. On top of that, the applicant pays a share of connection costs based on the main circuit breaker rating.

When a permit is needed

Under the Building Act, short connections up to 25 m are minor structures that need no permit if further conditions are met. Water and sewer connections must be approved by the owner of the affected land and by the owner or operator of the main, electricity connections must be built by the distributor and gas connections approved by the gas distributor. Other connections are simple structures permitted by the building authority.

How to prove a connection

The RÚIAN register records for buildings with a house number whether they are connected to water, sewer and gas, but the data may not match reality: gas may be disconnected or a connection may be missing from the record. Bills, a connection contract or an inspection report are more reliable.

Who pays to repair a burst water connection under the pavement?

Repairs and maintenance of a connection under a public space, such as a pavement or street, are paid by the water operator. Repairs of the part on private land and reconstruction of the connection are paid by its owner.