Huge Water Bill - Landlord issue?

mcscoobs

I'll start off with our water consumption. When we moved in, in January this year (we rent), in one month, we used 16 cubic metres of water, which is probably about right. In the household is my partner and I (we shower each once a day and rarely have baths). We also have my little boy every other weekend. Washing machine and dishwasher is used once a week, that's as extravagant as it gets.

So this morning I got a water bill through from Feb until Aug 2016, stating we have used 330 cubic metres of water in that time period... which equates to roughly 55 cubic metres of water per month, a 3.5x increase on normal usage? They want to increase our direct debit from £15 a month to £115! :eek:

Interestingly, on 1st June, I reported to our letting agent, an issue with our upstairs bathroom toilet. I reported that after each flush, the water would still trickle out, to the point where you can still hear it if you listen carefully, in another room upstairs. A plumber came out, but where its a modern toilet with the cistern built into the wall, the landlord wasn't willing to rip it all up. He asked if we were willing to put up with the noise (it wasn't actually that noisy or annoying), so we said it was manageable, not giving a second thought to the water bill. I've not heard the toilet running water recently, so not sure if the issues has "resolved itself" or not.

Putting 2 and 2 together, I can only assume that its this toilet issue that's resulted in this huge bill. What do I do now? What can I do?

Cardew

Presumably the landlord is not used to properties with metered water.

The first thing to do is contact the water company and say that you have just discovered a leak and ask if they will give a one-off goodwill leak allowance. You have no entitlement to that allowance, but some companies use their discretion - be nice on the phone.

The next step is to get the leak fixed, I have never heard of a toilet being installed such that it needs 'ripped out.'

Then you need to get the landlord to claim from his landlords insurance policy - if that covers leaks.

Lastly the landlord should compensate you for the increase in your bill.

mcscoobs

Thanks Cardew - I guess my only concern is because I said I was willing to put up with the toilet "noise", have I basically kissed my chances of any compensation away.... I'll try your steps first though!

Swipe

16cu meters a month is a lot. I only use that in 1 year

Norman_Castle

If you can read your own meter turn everything off and see if the meter moves. If it does there may be a leak. Does the hidden cistern have an accessible isolation valve. If so turn the isolate the cistern to see if it is that that is using the water.

mcscoobs

Quick update - I spoke to the water company, they offered to clear the increase and revert back to the original £15 a month average, on the basis there is/was a leak. They asked for proof it had been fixed, but bizarrely, in the last few weeks, the toilet has stopped its "running", and almost as if the fault has fixed itself?

@ Norman Castle - they also suggested the same test, which i'll do today if I can, the meter is in the street in front of the house, so just hope I can lift the cover!

Chrismuz

Hi, I actually work for a water company and part of my job is helping with these issues on site.
•Make a note of your meter serial Number.
•Go outside and look in the chamber at the meter(may be full of water) use a small plastic cup or sponge to clear.
•Get somebody inside the property to run a tap to rule out a cross supply and you are on the right meter.
•On the meter there will be a small dial (can be a black circle in the middle/a small red arrow/or a magnified view of little white pointers)
•Check to see if this is moving at all, this will show even a drip anywhere inside or outside.
•If it is moving and no water is been used in the house then there is an issue.
•*IF* it's moving go and turn your stop !!!! in the house off. If the meter stops there's a leak/issue somewhere inside. If it continues to run its an issue on the line and you need to contact your water provider ASAP.

If the landlord is refusing to fix the problem your water provider can issue a wastewater notice which would force him to repair it.
The toilet won't usually fix itself and the issue will usually persist and get gradually worse.
Any questions I'll be happy to help! Sorry for the essay!