PEOPLE are just realising a simple check that’ll cut hundreds off your water bills.
It’s an online calculator which is easy to access and tells you how much a water meter could save you.
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One savvy bill saver spotted the hack and shared it to Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK.
The calculator, which is on the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) website, lets you see how much money you could save based on your usage.
A water meter is a device that will measure how much water you use and send the data to your supplier who uses it to take more accurate readings and charge you your bill.
If you’ve got a water meter, you’ll only be charged for what you actually use, whereas without one you’ll be charged a flat rate that’s often based on your home’s rateable value.
To use the calculator tool, you’ll need to know how much water your household uses and how much you currently pay, which you can find on previous bills.
The saver wrote: “Water meter calculator! Just pop in how often you use things like your shower, dishwasher, if you have a hose pipe etc.
“Estimates I can save around £200 a year.”
Others in the comments were also elated, writing: “Mine went from £60 a month for a annual bill to £24 a month on a metre, from them fitting it you have 3 months to change back x”
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Another said: “Having a water meter fitted was the best thing I ever had done to save money.”
And one more wrote: “I’ve always been on a water meter. When I moved they quoted me £75 a month. I said nah put in a water meter. Not even £20 a month.”
If you’ve got more or the same number of bedrooms as people in your home, switching to a meter could save you money.
That’s because households without a meter are charged in line with the value of their property.
But if, for example, just two of you live in a four bedroom house, you’re probably being charged more than you actually use.
So not all families will benefit from a meter being installed.
But most water companies will let you trial a meter for up to two years and you can switch back for free if you’re unhappy.
How to install a water meter
You’ll need to get in touch with your supplier if you want one – but they’re free to install.
You could do this by phone or you may be able to apply on their website.
It might take up to three months to have it fitted from the time you asked about it.
And keep in mind if you can’t have a meter installed for whatever reason, there may be cheaper tariffs your supplier can put you onto.
If you don’t know who your water supplier is, don’t worry. You can use the diner tool on the Water UK website.
All you have to do is put in your postcode – your area should have the same supplier.
Other ways to save on bills
If you’re struggling, it’s an idea to get in touch with your supplier because they might have support for your circumstance.
For example, a host of water companies have increased their support for low income households and you could claim an extra £50 to go towards bills.
But keep in mind the help on offer will vary depending on your supplier.
Elsewhere, you could cut £70 from your energy bills and reduce your water bills too by reducing your wash time.
And leaving the water running while you brush your teeth could add £60 a year to your bills says Octopus.
The same goes for washing dishes, be sure you turn the tap off as if you’re doing it in the sink, leaving it running will add £25 to your annual bill.
There’s also a £900 cost of living payment to get dished out this year – and the first £301 will hit next month.
The help is aimed to help soften the blow of high energy bills, food costs and other necessities.
The first instalment will be paid directly into bank accounts between April 25 and May 17.
For those receiving the £301 payment from the DWP, it will show in your bank account as “DWP COLP” along with your National Insurance (NI) number.
The remaining two payments, worth £300 and £299, will be made this autumn and in spring 2024 respectively.
