Toilet leak caused huge bill...

muuuuu

Hi all,

Had a slow toilet leak (where there was a slightly dribble from the cistern into the pan), which caused us an extra bill of £500 which the water board are after (estimated ~1,200 over the year). We were switched without choice to a water meter ~ 1 year ago.

So after receiving the bill we got a plumber in to fix it, (had previously had a different plumber attempt 3 times to fix, but kept coming back).

I'm trying to see if there is any way the water board may waive some portion of the bill, it still seems high that it could cause an extra £500 or so in the 6 months since last bill.

They said they may look into reducing the bill, but after looking at plumbers report, say its our fault, and we have to pay the extra £500 (compared to what it used to be).

Is there anything that could be done at all to help, or will they at least accept a small payoff of the bill over a year or so or something, as we don't have that amount currently to be able to pay ?

Cardew

Your only chance was a goodwill reduction, and it seems that they have refused.


I find it hard to believe a 'plumber' couldn't fix a cistern after 3 attempts. Even replacement of the whole cistern if necessary; they are not very expensive. I personally would sue the plumber!


You don't say where you live but taking the average cost of water and sewerage in UK you have been losing over 900 litres a day for 6 months - which is a bit more than a slight dribble.


You can ask to pay your bill by Direct Debit and thus pay monthly over the next year - or get them to put you on a payment plan.

V.Lucky

Some home insurance policies cover for loss of water, and the bill associated with it.

Not sure if this circumstance would be covered, but it's worth checking with your insurance company.

muuuuu

Thanks, yes, the volume and cost of water doesn't seem to match the experience of the slight dribble into the pan, which is why I mentioned it. But I can't think of anything else, and the plumber said the water meter now stops after he did the fix. (he also changed the stop valve into the building which was stuck, but not sure how that would come into it, unless the meter is wrong, it is a new one).

matelodave

Insurance will usually only payout if the leak causes damage or was caused by damage.


Wear & tear or maintenance issue are generally excluded especially if they could reasonably be seen and fixed. I'd guess most people should notice a leaking cistern. That's probably the water companies stance as well.


We had a damaged underground pipe which the insurance company paid for and the water company refunded the cost of the lost water. We discovered it by regularly (monthly) reading the meter and we lost £120 worth.


We now read it weekly, same as the energy meters - that way we don't get any surprises when the bills come in and can sort out any problems before they become unmanageable.