Unusually high bill
There is often a simple reason why your bill or meter reading is higher than usual. Below are some of the common causes of an unusually high bill.
Signs you may have a leak
You may have a leak if you notice:
- an unexplained increase in your bill
- a big drop in water pressure
- areas of lush vegetation in your garden
- damp patches on the ground
- a hissing or knocking noise near your internal stop tap.
Water leaks
Leaking toilets, pipes and taps can cause an increase in your bill. A leaking toilet is hard to spot but can waste up to 400 litres of water a day, which could increase your water bill by more than £30 a month if you're on a water meter.
Find out how to check for leaks. If you find one or have recently had a leak repaired, you may be entitled to a leakage allowance.
Changes at home
If you have a change at home, even for a short period, it can have an impact on how much water you use. These changes include working from home, retirement, having a baby or hosting guests. The average person uses 140 litres of water each day. If you use our handy water usage calculator GetWaterFit, you can order a free water-saving pack to help you use less water.
New appliances
If you have recently installed a new appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, it may be using more water than your old ones. A new power shower will use a lot more water than a standard electric shower.
Your appliances’ eco settings will help you to use as little water and energy as possible. For more ways to save water in your home and garden, try these water-saving tips.
Time of year
You might have a higher bill if you water your garden during summer. Consider installing a water butt, using a watering can instead of a hosepipe and letting your lawn go brown - these are all good ways to use less water in the garden.
Renovating your home
Recent renovation work in your home could cause a spike in your water bill. You may have used more water than usual when cleaning up after plastering or painting.
Estimated meter readings
If your previous meter reading was an estimate, we may have underestimated how much water you used in the last billing period. It may mean your most recent bill is higher than your previous estimated bill.
You should check how many days the bill covers; most bills cover six months, but it could be less or more than that. If your meter reading was an estimate, you can send us a meter reading yourself to make sure your bill is accurate.
If you are still unsure why your bill has increased, please contact us.
Save water to reduce your bill
Free water-saving devices
Order our free water-saving devices to start making water and energy savings in your home.
How to save water
If your property is metered, you can reduce your bill by making some small changes to your habits.