A MARTIN Lewis fan has revealed how he’s slashed an essential household bill by hundreds of pounds a year.
The savvy saver dubbed Tinkerbaby, said on Twitter: “Martin Lewis I’ve been telling my parents for a long time to get a water meter, they pay £1,400 as a couple.
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“Dad now getting it installed and it’s likely he’ll save £900/yr. Wish he’d done it years ago.”
It comes as Martin Lewis said in the latest MoneySavingExpert.com newsletter: “Water bills have risen by 7.5% on average already this year in England and Wales (5% in Scotland).
“Yet a report last week in The Times indicates some firms are asking to increase prices by 40% over the next few years, to pay for investments in infrastructure.”
But Martin warned that thousands could save £100s every year by switching to a water meter.
He said: “If there are more or the same number of bedrooms in your home than people (eg, three bedrooms, two people).
“A water meter is likely to save you cash.”
MoneySavingExpert.com provides a handy calculator to help you work out if it’s a cheaper option based on your circumstances.
We’ve previously spoken to one mum who more than halved her water bill after getting a meter – saving over £200 a year.
How else can I cut my water bills?
You could shave £70 from your energy bills and reduce your water bills too by reducing your wash time, according to Uswitch.
And leaving the water running while you brush your teeth could add £60 a year to your bills says Octopus.
The same goes for washing dishes, be sure you turn the tap off as if you’re doing it in the sink, leaving it running will add £25 to your annual bill.
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that shave pounds off your bills too.
Contact your supplier or check out savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
What water bill help is available?
Over 5.7million households who qualify to be on discounted social water tariffs aren’t claiming the savings provided, according to research by Policy in Practice.
The average household qualifying for the discounted water rates could slash their bills by £160 a year.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income.
For example, customers of Thames Water, England’s largest water company, may be able to get a 50% discount on bills if their total household income is below £17,005, or below £21,749 in London boroughs.
You could also get help if your water bill is more than 5% of your total household income.
But who’s eligible for help and the level of support varies depending on your water company.
To find out what’s on offer from your water company, visit their website.
You can find out who your local water supplier is by using the tool on the WaterUK website and entering your postcode.
Companies also provide grants worth hundreds of pounds which can act as a vital lifeline for hard-up households faced with daunting bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
For example, Severn Trent has given out more than 3,000 grants worth an average of £781 and helped nearly 400 households buy essential appliances.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances, like losing their job, which means they can’t pay their bill.
Check with your water company to see what extra help is available.
If you’re on a water meter but find it hard to save water as you have a large family or water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that bills are reduced by £270 on average through the scheme.
