High metered water bill - What are my options...

redrabbit29

Typical story really...

Got a meter in as I was told it would save money. Me + GF in two bedroom place, and our bill for 6 month was £342 and told we used 163m3 of water. The water company say that is 4 times more than they expect.

They've been out once to check meter but I wasn't there. They are now coming out on 20th to meet personally with me and find out why it's so high.

...

I called yesterday and they said 1st Oct - 1st Nov the usage was VERY high and for 24 hours at one time the water was in constant use.

...

There are NO leaks that I know off - and even if there was, I think the sort of leak would have to be huge flooding wouldn't it, or at least a loud sound of water from somewhere in the house.

I plan to turn off water and check meter through the day, but it's quite difficult to read the meter as it's deep in a hole, so will wait till it's daylight and I'm at home (Maybe Saturday).

My Question is:

What are my options if I'm told that for whatever reason, the bill stands. I've read so much on google I'm just confused now. I've read:

1) Someone who got their insurer in to repair a leak they didn't know about, and the water company reimbursed them money that was wasted

2) Someone who was given a reduction due to a leak they didn't know about and got it fixed - good will gesture

3) That sometimes you can choose not to pay the metered bill, but to have a "flat rate" bill instead, and go back to before the meter - the meter was installed after moving in.

4) Sometimes the water company install the meter wrongly - but I think this has been checked so I doubt that's the issue.

... Sorry if I'm being naieve but I'm just really worried about the amount as it's a lot for me and something I just wasn't expecting. Just seeing what the possibilities are really.

Thanks everyone