That's why technology providers are promoting the idea of autonomous computing, a vision of systems that can monitor, administer and repair themselves.

FORBES: Computers That Fix Themselves

"Affinity Water have robust procedures in place and our teams of engineers continually monitor our network and respond quickly when bursts do occur to repair problems and make sure that disruption is kept to an absolute minimum, " it added.

BBC: Surrey burst pipes 'risking drivers' lives'