A FAULTY valve has been blamed for causing a water leak that resulted in a deluge of water flooding onto the A556 in Rudheath on the hottest day in history.

As the country prepared to melt under temperatures that topped 40 degrees in some parts of the country, the leak made sure the morning commute was a wet one for some.

It had been spotted by a mum walking her child to school at around 8.30am, although others suggested the leak had sprung about an hour or so earlier.

Chester and District Standard: The water leak was caused by a faulty valve according to United UtilitiesThe water leak was caused by a faulty valve according to United Utilities

It was reported to United Utilities and an engineer was on site by 9.30am and was able to shut the valve off at around 9.30am.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “We responded to reports of a leak near the A556 near Rudheath.  Our engineer went out to it straight away and found it was due to a faulty valve.  This was shut off by 9.30am which stopped the flow of water. 

“Our teams work around the clock to find and repair leaks and we are always very grateful when these are reported to us. It’s even easier than ever to do this now using the United Utilities mobile app, which allows you to take a picture of the leak and pinpoints its location.”