Faulty Water Meter

Muadebe

Hi,

I live in a rented property. Moved in Feb 2012.
Just before xmas I phoned united utilities to advise of the water meter reading which was 1.
I was informed this looks like a faulty meter as this is the same reading from Nov 2011.
United Utilities now want to fix the pump and then see how much water I use for 1 month then using this figure back date any charges starting from April 2012. Apparently thats as far back as they can backdate.

I would like to know if legally they can do this as the fault was present prior to moving in and they have taken readings during the time I have lived here.

I have been paying the estimated bills up til now.

Thankmyou for any advice.

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

'United Utilities now want to fix the pump'?? - meter?

Don't know if it is 'legal' but it certainly is standard practice for all water companies and is in their code of practice. - The same practice is used for faulty gas/electricity meters.

Normally people in your situation come out well from this practice - you have a real incentive to use water sparingly during that month.

If there is a genuine reason why this practice would put you at a disadvantage e.g. the house was unoccupied for 3 months after Feb 2012, then the company will normally negotiate.

If you want to query the legality, contact The Consumer Council for Water http://www.ccwater.org.uk/