How to reduce water bills

Author: Lee Devlin

Published on: 29/07/2015

Reducing water bills is not as easy as with gas and electricity where you can switch to a cheaper provider to reduce water bills further. However, the steps below can help you save by deciding how you’re billed.

Can a water meter reduce water bills?

There are two ways you can be billed, you can pay a fixed bill depending on your home’s size, meaning your bill will be based on your home’s ‘ratable value’, and will not be dependent on the amount of water used.

The second way is to pay for the water you use through the use of a water meter so the size of your bill reflects your usage. About 40 per cent of homes have a water meter, but water meters usually calculate the sewerage bill too and these costs are higher than everyday water use because of the processing involved in pumping waste water out of your home.

Should you get a water meter?

You should first work out if a water meter is financially viable and will reduce water bills. As a rough guide, if the number of people in your house is equal to or higher than the number of bedrooms it could be cheaper on a meter. In London it is free to have a meter installed and you have the right to switch back within a year.

How much can you save?

Savings will vary depending on your household’s usage, but an average household could save about £100 or more per year, in some cases.

Thames water website has a handy water meter calculator, asking basic questions about your water usage like how many live in your house, the number of showers or baths taken a week, your dishwasher and washing machine use and what you’re currently paying. It then gives you an estimated cost if you were on a meter. The site also offers tips for how to reduce water bills.

Alternatively, you can ask your water company for a more accurate, although time-consuming, comparison.

Good to know…

Your decision to switch depends of course on the savings. If you’ll reduce water bills by a substantial amount it’s a good idea, though there are a few more facts to consider…

If savings are minimal, stick to what you know. Water bills give you security of knowing exactly what you’ll pay each month, regardless of usage. Circumstances could change,
You can test it for a year. It is possible to switch back to a regular bill within 12 months, or even a month after your second measured bill, whichever comes later. So you can try it and see if it works out better for you. However, if you move into a home that already has a meter, you can’t switch back.
The effect on your house price… Some people say water meters lower a house’s sale price. There is a small chance this could put high-use buyers off, but it’s rare. So if you’re not planning to move soon, and can reduce water bills, ignore it and make the most of your savings.
High water usage can force you onto a meter. If you use a lot of water for non-necessities, such as swimming pools, ultra-power showers, sprinkler systems, or live in a water-stressed area, a meter will be fitted automatically.

For more information on water saving in the home read our article on leak prevention.

A Homecure plumber can also advise you on the most energy and water efficient boilers for your home.

Meet the author, Lee Devlin

Published on: 29/07/2015

Lee Devlin is the managing director of Homecure Plumbers, a trusted London plumbing service provider. Since 2009, Lee's been leading a large team of gas safe plumbing and heating engineers as well as growing a successful business built on quality customer service and workmanship, in a competitive industry within the Capital. He's been in the game for a long time, so he regularly shares his knowledge and experience with the public. His expert tips have been featured in lots of well known publications such as: The Sun, Metro, Insider, Homes And Gardens, Country Living and more!

Find out more

Our reviews

Chelsea Drury 1 week ago

Amazing service, very speedy, my go to plumber in north London, fixed my boiler.

...

Sue Lund 3 weeks ago

I was delighted with the prompt and efficient service and the very helpful, thoughtful engineer. Having requested other quotes I believe that this company provided excellent value for money and would be very happy to use them again and would highly recommend them to others. Thank you for a job well done!

...

Sandie Downs 4 weeks ago

Very speedy call out, explained what the problem was and the remedy and most importantly the approximate cost. Worked quickly, cleared up any mess, which was kept to a minimum anyway. Both engineer and person who took the first call were polite and helpful, I found this company to be very professional.

...

dvd stwrt 1 month ago

A very efficient service delivered in a helpful and pleasant way.

...

Andy Morris 1 month ago

After contacting Homecure regarding a boiler issue they arranged an appointment the next morning. Josh arrived on time and could not have been more helpful and pleasant to deal with. 100% satisfied with their service.

...

Elizabeth R 1 month ago

Responsive, efficient and knowledgeable. They fixed our boiler after we had been told by others it needed replacing. Previously they sorted out a horrible plumbing job for the quote they offered, even though it took twice as long as they thought. Full marks and thank you!

...