Likely to receive shock water bill of £5k+ on probate property

Aaron3195

My father had a few falls last year and was in and out of hospital a lot, then eventually passed away in hospital. His water bills are roughly £370 a year (as of last statement) and has lived at the new build since 2011, so the meter started from 0 presumably.

Having checked the meter, the figure on the meter outside has more than doubled from what was shown on his latest bill while he was alive (from 850 to 1800 m3). South East Water haven't sent me any new bills since I informed them of his passing 15 months ago so I don't know the actual figure yet until the house gets a sold with a completion date and inform all the utility companies again, but from a rough calculation it could be upwards of £5,000. It turns out a toilet upstairs was leaking water down the bowl, and I don't know how long this was happening for. I got a plumber to fix it late last year when I went to clear out the property.

Is South East Water likely to provide a compassionate final bill when I explain his circumstances and offer to ask me to pay off the bill at his usual rate, or will I really have to pay this large sum to them?

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6685639/likely-to-receive-shock-water-bill-of-5k-on-probate-property

you won't have to pay but it will need to come out of your dad's estate if there is one?

Grumpy_chap

If he was only paying £370 per year that is massively lower than his usage - why weren't accurate meter readings used?

The Estate will have to pay assuming the Estate is solvent which I assume it is if there is a property to sell.

Aaron3195

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82158732#Comment_82158732

His £370 a year on the bill is based on the meter reading being ~850 in early 2025, not 1800. This was before he started having falls and being in a state of confusion. It looks like the water company hasn't checked the meter again since, or they have - but I haven't received the latest bill yet.

Yes, it will come out of the estate as I'm the executor, but the idea of paying out £5k is painful because I've already set a long term plan for my inheritance.

la531983

Was he on their vulnerable customers register?

poseidon1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6685639/likely-to-receive-shock-water-bill-of-5k-on-probate-property

South east water have a specific leak allowance scheme that may generate a financial credit for water loss up to the point the repair was effected - see below but note the 1 month time limit after the remedial works done to submit a claim

https://cdn.southeastwater.co.uk/Publications/Customer+leaflets+and+codes+of+practice/15185-SEW-CofP-Leaks-from-customer-supply-pipes-update-AW.pdf

Aaron3195

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82159006#Comment_82159006

Looks like I missed the window but I will give it a go anyway, thank you