High bill

Is your bill higher than normal?

We understand that receiving a high bill can be a worry.

If your home has a water meter, there are a number of reasons why your bill may be higher than expected We're here to help you get to the bottom of it.

Reasons for a higher bill

From hosepipes, sprinklers and hot tubs to water dependent appliances to taking more baths than showers, the litres can add up quickly.  

The most common reasons for a higher bill are estimated bills or simply using more water, from:

Estimated meter readings

We sometimes have to estimate bills if we don't have up to date meter readings. We do this by checking your previous usage and the number of people living in your property. Once we have an actual reading, we'll adjust your bill. This could mean you need to pay more.

We send bills every six months. However, if you've moved home, your bill may be for more than six months, so your bill could be a higher amount due to the longer period.

Giving a meter reading online is easy. Just log in to your online account.

Using more water

This could be from:

• A growing family or guests staying.
• New water reliant appliances such as a power shower or home improvements.
• Some medical conditions.
• Working from home.

Try our water and energy calculator to see how much water you're using and how you can save. You'll also be able to order free water saving products.

Dripping taps, leaky loo or leaking pipes

If none of these reasons apply, the most likely cause could be dripping taps or a leaky loo. These are usually quick and easy to fix.

A leaking toilet can waste up to 215 litres of water a day, that’s £200 a year. Follow our steps to check for a leaking toilet. If it is leaking, we’ll fix it for free.

If you’ve already checked for dripping taps and leaking toilets, then you may have a hidden leak. To find out how to check for leaks in your home, watch our video below or follow our step by step leak test.

Don't have a water meter? 

If your home doesn't have a water meter, you pay unmetered charges. A water meter could save you money. That's because you pay for the water you use.

Try our water usage calculator - it will give you an idea of what your metered bill could be.