A major utility company has been slammed by frustrated families after several homes were left without any hot water for more than a year. 

Residents living in Antlers Hill, Chingford, have accused Thames Water of making "excuse after excuse" for why a major water leak has not been repaired.  

The lower than normal water pressure has failed to trigger the hot water on residents’ boilers. 

Of the eight homes sharing the same water supply, some are worse affected then others. 

Yvonne Bailey first complained to Thames Water a year ago after receiving a hefty water bill, but says the problem goes as far back as 2012.  

A short term solution resulted in Ms Bailey and her son, Kieran, having to switch on the heating during the height of last year's summer just to get some running hot water. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Yvonne Bailey has been using a kettle to wash since December 

But this method stopped working on New Year's Eve, Ms Bailey said.

She added: "They promised to fix it on April 10. 

"They turned up and blamed the surveyor for pointing them in the wrong direction and then drove off. 

"Using the shower is out of the question.

"I have to constantly boil the kettle and pans of water to wash up and fill a bath. 

"This is not a third world country, yet we are being treated like it is. 

"My son has temporarily moved out because he cannot take anymore. 

"I am beyond the point of frustration, it is making me depressed and I have had enough of their excuse after excuse."   

Several working parents with young children needlessly took the day off work on April 10 in anticipation of repairs, including mother-of-four Natasha Hinds.

She says the problem has been ongoing for five years. 

"It started with the water pressure," added Ms Hinds.

"Since December I have not had hot water properly so I have got rid of my dishwasher. 

"It is a nightmare with five of us in the house and with the water cutting out constantly it is making me late for work. 

"The problem needs to be addressed."  

Thames Water confirmed works were due to start on April 10 but they had to be rescheduled. 

A spokeswoman said: "We now have the necessary permission from all the affected customers to enter their gardens, find this frustrating leak and carry out the repair.

"Homeowners are responsible for fixing leaks on their private supply pipes, which feed off our vast network, but we are repairing this for free as tackling leakage is one of our top priorities."

Works are now due to start on April 29.