What is a water meter?
A water meter measures the amount of water that is used in your property. Whether that’s the water for your drinking, showering, running your dishwasher or even water used to heat your radiator. Water meters are so important in ensuring that you are billed correctly for the amount of water you use.
Your water bill consists of two charges. The first charge is a standing charge, which is the daily charge for getting water supplied to your property. The second charge is for the amount of water you use and consume. On top of your consumption charge is also a sewage charge that is calculated based on your usage. For example, if your water usage is high, your sewage charge will also be high to equate for the removal of waste water and for water drainage.
Why are readings are so important?
Water meter readings are so important whether you are on a fixed water tariff, where you pay the same amount regardless of how much water you use, or on a metered supply, where you only pay for the water you consume. Water readings not only ensure that you are paying for what you consume on a metered supply, but also help to identify any undetected leaks on metered and fixed supplies.
Water companies don’t read water meters very often, meaning water bills are normally based on previous or average use and are largely inaccurate, resulting in you paying for more than you are using. This is another reason why water readings are so important as they can detect water leaks. Water leaks are often commonly detected after you leave us here at Bunch and without regular water readings, contesting high water bills from your supplier becomes very difficult, especially high usage due to a water leak. To find out more of what to do if you think you have a leak, read this.
Where to find your water meter
While we can’t tell you where your meter is, here are a few little tips and tricks to help you locate your water meter.
If you are a renter, the best way to find out where to find your water meter is to contact your letting agent or landlord who will be able to provide you with this information. It is also useful to ask where your stopcock (the master tap) is located in case you need to turn off your water supply.
If you are a homeowner and unsure on where to locate your water meter, there are a few places you can check. If you believe your meter is inside your property, it is most commonly found under the kitchen sink, in the basement or garage. If you think your meter is located on the outside of your property, key places to check are in a box on the outside of your property or near the boundary of your property such as your front garden or even the pavement outside your home in an underground chamber marked ‘water’. If you still can’t locate your water meter, you can contact your water supplier who can advise you. To find out your water supplier, enter your postcode here.
If you live in a flat or apartment, your water meter is likely to be found in a communal cupboard or garage.