How to set up your water bill

Want to know how to set up your water bill?

Water bills are actually one of the easier type of bills to organise. Each area of the UK has just one supplier of water for the area, so there’s no need to hunt for the best deal. Learning how to set up your water bill as a student is the same as everyone else! Life-long knowledge is contained within this article.

There are still a few steps to follow in order to get your water bill set up. 

In this guide

  1. Find your supplier
  2. Contact your supplier
  3. Find out if you’re on a metered or standard tariffs
  4. Choose your payment option
  5. Water saving tips
  6. Landlord’s responsibility

Bills not included in your rent price?

Split The Bills bundles your choice of the bills into one easy payment. Avoid the awkward bill chat with your housemates, go spend more time enjoying student life!

  • Your choice of energy, superfast broadband, water and a TV licence.
  • Pay the same fixed amount every month and don’t worry about bills.
  • Avoid arguments by everyone paying the same share.
  • We set up the utilities for your house – so sit back, and relax.
  • Less time worrying about bills = more time to enjoy being a student.
 

 

Find your supplier

Because only one supplier operates in each area, it’s pretty simple to find who will be supplying your water. Do this on the day you move in, to keep things simple.

Find your supplier here.

 

Contact your supplier

Once you’ve found your supplier, you need to contact them and set yourself up as a new customer. You can do this online or over the phone.

Find supplier contact details here.

To complete your customer set up forms you will need:

  • Your name and address
  • Date moving
  • New address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Bank details – if you wish to set up a Direct Debit
  • Meter reading – if applicable

 

Find out if you’re on a metered or standard tariff

The payment methods for water vary depending on whether your supply is metered or not. Standard tariffs are much more common than metered. However, some landlords like to make sure they’re not paying bills when the house is empty over holidays etc. so your house might be metered.

 

What is a metered tariff?

Water meters are very similar to any metered utility like gas or electric. A water meter simply records the amount of water you’ve used and charges you accordingly. Generally, the tariff can be higher than the usual standard tariff, but they are free to fit and if you follow some water saving tips, could save you a bit of money.

If you’re on a metered tariff, make sure to check the reading as soon as you move in. We have a guide on checking and submitting meter readings with all the information you need to know.

The standard rate varies from house-to-house. You usually receive a bill once a year, but you can spread the cost through monthly payments.

 

What is a standard tariff?

Standard tariffs are based on a government survey which estimates approximately how much water your house will use.

You usually pay for these either monthly or quarterly. If you contact your supplier you can set-up direct debits. Our blog, ‘How Often Do You Pay Your Water Bill in the UK?’, has more information.

 

How to pay

Almost every water supplier offers multiple ways to pay your water bills:

  • Direct debit
  • Post
  • Phone
  • Online

Find whichever is best for you. It is worth chatting with your housemates to decide which suits you as a household.

 

Water saving tips

  • Showers instead of baths – a 5 minute shower uses about 40 litres of water, which is about half of a standard bath.
  • Turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth – a running tap uses up to nine litres of water a minute.
  • Fill up your washing machine – Get those washing machines nice and full because they use anywhere between 136 to 180 litres of water! You want to get your money’s worth every wash.
  • Don’t use your toilet as a bin – Yeah, you know who you are! Cotton Q-tips and the like go in the bin!
  • Fix dripping taps – if you see one, let your landlord know.
  • Soak pots and pans ­– Instead of letting the water run whilst scraping them clean, leave them in the sink to soak for a bit – hey, anything to delay having to wash up.
  • Use a wash basin – Basins are smaller than sinks (obviously) so it’s much easier to use less water.
  • Cook food in as little water as possible ­– This actually helps retain more nutrients anyway. No, pizza doesn’t count.

 

Is my landlord ultimately responsible for the water bill?

Nope. Just because your landlord owns the house does not mean they are responsible for the bills inside, including bills from the previous tenant. That’s why it’s so important to organise your bills as soon as you can. Make sure you check all your utility meters, and take a reading to stop any issues with your energy providers.

For more information about what we can do for you, click here

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Electricity. Gas. Broadband. Water. TV Licence.
All in one equally split monthly bill. Nice.