Unusually high bill

Leaking toilets, pipes and taps can cause an increase in your bill. A leaking toilet is hard to spot but can waste up to 400 litres of water a day, which could increase your water bill by around £50 a month if you're on a water meter.

Find out how to check for leaks. If you find one or have recently had a leak repaired, you may be entitled to a leakage allowance.

If you have a change at home, even for a short period, it can have an impact on how much water you use. These changes include working from home, retirement, having a baby or hosting guests. The average person uses 140 litres of water each day. If you use our handy water usage calculator, you can order a free water-saving pack to help you use less water.

If you have recently installed a new appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, it may be using more water than your old ones. A new power shower will use a lot more water than a standard electric shower.

Your appliances’ eco settings will help you to use as little water and energy as possible. For more ways to save water in your home and garden, try these water-saving tips.

You might have a higher bill if you water your garden during summer. Consider installing a water butt, using a watering can instead of a hosepipe and letting your lawn go brown - these are all good ways to use less water in the garden.

Recent renovation work in your home could cause a spike in your water bill. You may have used more water than usual when cleaning up after plastering or painting.

If your previous meter reading was an estimate, we may have underestimated how much water you used in the last billing period. It may mean your most recent bill is higher than your previous estimated bill.

You should check how many days the bill covers; most bills cover six months, but it could be less or more than that. If your meter reading was an estimate, you can send us a meter reading yourself to make sure your bill is accurate.

If you are still unsure why your bill has increased, please contact us.