Seeing that a water bill is higher than you expected can be a shock, but it’s important to find out why. Some increases can be outside your control, such as changes to your water charges, while others are more preventable, like a leak or an increase in water usage.
Is Your Property Metered or Unmetered?
If you’re unsure why your water bill has increased, the first step is to identify whether you’re on a metered or unmetered tariff. Your water bill is calculated based on the type of tariff you’re on, so knowing this information can help you narrow down why your water bill may have increased.
- Metered tariff: If your property has a water meter, it will measure the amount of water your household uses. Your water bill is calculated based on this information, so the more water you use, the higher your water bill will be.
- Unmetered tariff: Instead of being charged based on how much water you use, people on an unmetered tariff receive a fixed bill that is the same each month.
Common Causes of a Water Bill Increase
Your Water Usage Has Increased
One possible reason for a water bill increase is that your household has started using more water than usual and you’re on a metered tariff. For example, if you’ve started taking longer showers or more frequent baths, this can increase water consumption. If someone new has recently moved into your property, this could also be a reason for higher water usage.
When water-using habits become a normal part of your daily routine, it’s easy to forget how they can affect your water bill. Small changes like taking shorter showers and not leaving the taps running unnecessarily can help lower your water bill.
A Hidden Leak Could Be Wasting Water
A small leak might not seem like a problem, but it can quickly add to your water bill and create other issues, like mould and rot. Leaks aren’t always obvious, but you can do an experiment to find out if there is one. Start by making sure all taps and appliances that use water are turned off. If you’re on a metered tariff, don’t use any water for a few hours and check whether the reading on your water meter changes in this time. If you’re on an unmetered tariff, listen for unusual sounds like hissing or dripping water. You can also look for visual signs of a leak around the home, like discoloured patches and stains, damp patches, and peeling paint or wallpaper.
If you find or suspect a leak, let your landlord know straight away. It’s important to get any leaks fixed as soon as possible to prevent high water bills and damage to the home.
Your Water Charges Have Changed
Each year, typically in April, water suppliers change their prices, even if you’re on a fixed tariff. By comparing your latest bill to your previous one, you can spot any changes like this. Look out for anything else that might give you an indication of why your water bill is higher, such as the billing dates. In some cases, a bill may cover more days than your previous one, which can be a reason for an increase. If anything on your bill looks wrong, contact your water supplier, who can give you clarification or investigate the issue.
Your Meter Readings Were Estimated
When a water company doesn’t have actual meter readings, they often use estimated ones. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as if the company couldn’t access your meter or you didn’t submit meter readings. An estimated reading may be higher or lower than how much water you actually used.
How The Student Energy Group Can Help
At The Student Energy Group, we understand that university is busy, and the last thing you want to worry about is your bills. We’ll bundle your water and other household bills, including energy, gas, TV licence and internet, into one easy-to-split monthly statement. You can build your all-inclusive bills package for students with just a few simple clicks. We’ll even plant a tree if you sign up with us as a step towards a brighter future! Get a free quote from us today to start saving; it takes less than two minutes.
