Compulsory Water Meter

vintagebrighton · 13 June 2013 at 5:23PM

Hi, I'm with southern water who are fitting compulsory water meters. At the moment we have a 2 bed flat with 3 adults and pay £25pm. Obviously I'm worried this is going to increase even though I think we're fairly frugal with everything by necessity

My question is can we ask for the meter to be fitted inside the property? I'm worried about being responsible for leakages in the pipes outside the property. There have been longstanding problems with the drains in this area culminating in 3 of the back gardens along this terrace over flowing with sewage. I think this is indicative of the state of the underground system but can't prove anything.

If it's any help, these are council properties and over 100 years old.

phsci · 13 June 2013 at 6:22PM

No harm in asking them. In my street, some houses (all built around 1986-88) remain unmeasured, some have the meter in the pavement, and some have their meter in the garage (where the service pipe first emerges from underground). This situation arose as United Utilities changed its policies over time (all the meters will have been requested rather than compulsory installations). I imagine the same holds in many other places. The state of the drainage is not necessarily indicative of the condition of the service pipe.

vintagebrighton · 14 June 2013 at 8:06AM

Thanks, I'll definitely ask about them putting the meter inside the property.

deanos · 16 June 2013 at 9:27PM

if the meter is inside or outside you are still responsible for leaks on your pipe, i presume they will fit according to there policy

Ilona · 21 June 2013 at 11:31PM

My water meter is inside a cupboard inside my kitchen, with a seperate reader on the outside of the house. I think it needs to be close to where the water pipe enters the property, on an outside wall.

datlex · 29 June 2013 at 5:51PM

Are you renting? If so you have to get permission to have a meter inside. Having said that I'm surprised the meter is compulsory. Up here, you get a choice and if you find you don't save money with the meter in first 12 months you can go back to unmetered. Any subsequent people get the meter whether they want it or not.