8 reasons your water bill could be steeper than usual.
Looking over your water bill and noticing it is higher than usual can come as a bit of a shock. Suddenly, you’re questioning whether that second bath of the day two months ago was really necessary. You’re left doubting your toilet flushing methods. And you’re calling into question whether your house is one massive leak.
However, try not to panic. As this blog on detecting leaks explains, the cause is often straightforward. You’ve been flushing just fine. Go on, run yourself that bath; you deserve it. Joking aside, if you’re wondering why your water bill is higher than normal and aren’t sure whether you should be contacting your water company, then here are 8 reasons your water bill could be steeper than usual.
YOUR LAST READING WAS AN ESTIMATE
If the previous reading you provided was an estimate, then chances are that your next bill will be higher than you might normally expect it to be. Should you have just moved into a new property and you’ve thus far failed to provide a meter reading at the beginning, be sure to provide one to the water company as soon as you can.
NOT CHECKING AVERAGE DAILY USE
Taking averaged, regular readings is better than a yearly, cursory check, as it gives you early warning if there’s a sudden increase in your water usage. In other words, if there’s a leak, which could be costing you money and wasting valuable water, you’ll notice far quicker should you be monitoring unexplained fluctuations in your readings.
YOU’VE PROVIDED AN INCORRECT BILLING PERIOD
Have you moved into your home in the last year and either had a meter fitted or provided a reading at that time, on the moving in date? If you haven’t, it could be that the period covered by your bill is shorter or longer than previously. To confirm your billing period is correct, check the front page of your bill and inform your water provider should it be incorrect.
A BUSY HOUSEHOLD
If more people have joined your household, your bill will naturally increase as you’ll be using more water. One person uses, on average, 142 litres of water a day. If you’d like to use less water, consider installing a water-saving product, such as a faucet attachment, which can significantly reduce excess water wastage.
Other green-conscious practices about the home, like switching your washes from 40 degrees to 30, not leaving the tap running when you brush your teeth, and showering for shorter, can all add up to savings, too.
YOU LIVE IN A HARD WATER AREA
As you may know, hard water refers to water that contains higher levels of magnesium and calcium carbonates. But what people might not know is that hard water can actually raise your water bill, leading to more water being needed to properly clean clothes, wash dishes, bathe, shower and more.
This can be exacerbated by hard water’s tendency to decrease water flow in pipes, sometimes leading to plumbing issues and expensive interventions. One way to lessen this blow is to consider water softener installation, which can be a smart solution to prevent hard water.
BE ALERT TO LEAKS
A leak in any part of your system can result in a higher meter reading or bill. A dripping tap alone can waste as much as 21 litres of water a day; crikey! If you think you’ve sprung a leak, there are a couple of things you can check before having to call in a plumber. Do read our article on 5 common lockdown plumbing problems and how to fix them before you do decide to use the services of a professional.
WATERING PLANTS
If you have a large garden and water it frequently over spring and summer, this can result in a higher water bill. Consider using rainwater instead by using a water butt, an alternative to filling your watering can with your outdoor tap. It’s also sensible to avoid using a hose where possible, as they lack precision and are generally considered wasteful.
A NEW APPLIANCE
If you’ve recently had a new boiler installed, your bills might be higher than before. In fact, the task of emptying and refilling the system uses a fair amount of water. Remember, new appliances tend to use more water than older ones, particularly if their capacity is larger. That said, their energy efficiency is almost always better, so don’t let the added units on the water bill put you off buying a new boiler.
HOME RENOVATION
If you’ve recently had work done to your property, you might have experienced a higher water bill. Do be aware that this is only temporary. In particular, plastering or painting is notorious for requiring a large amount of water, not to mention the clean up afterwards! Similarly, building work, landscaping, or having a new lawn put down can result in a higher bill.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If the sound of the postman and the sight of a bill on the hallway floor is enough to give you a panic attack, it might be time to start considering ways to reduce how much you pay for everything. Here’s 4 IDEAL ways to get smaller bills and transform your finances.