Water usage suddenly doubled - advice sought

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On behalf of my Parents.

They are on a water meter and during the last few months usage has suddenly doubled.

This isn't any sort of rant, simply seeking advice on how to track down what's going on.

The water company has sent historical usage data and we can clearly see something is wrong. The company doen't seem to have any advice to offer though in suggesting how to proceed with finding the problem.

Faulty Water meter? Leak somewhere? Other problem?

I'm suggesting my parents get a plumber round to check for any obvious (and not so obvious) leaks and then report back to the water company to ask them to check the meter if nothing is found.

Any other advice on how to get this sorted?

Thanks.

birkee

Turn off the stop tap to the house, and see if the water meter is still recording useage?
Put a rod (broomhandle / screwdriver / etc) on the feed pipes, place your ear on the end, and listen for running water sounds with the water turned off.

Stop valve on, heating and hot water header tanks, or toilet cistern ... leaking, so water keeps running. The overflows should be vented outside the house though, and should be visible. (Except in the case of a close coupled toilet cistern, where the overflow runs into the pan.)

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Thanks - excellent advice.

Cardew

Agree with the above - especially a leaking cistern It can be quite difficult to notice especially as it can be intermittent i.e. after one flush it might be OK and next time start leaking.

Gothicfairy

What sort of meter is it ? Some can over record but some can't so before you go down the meter route as the water company will charge you to test the meter and if it is found to be working you will have to cover that cost( if the meter is faulty they give you the money back though) so do as the others have suggested and flow test the meter first then check everything for leaks.