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How to take and submit water meter readings with Bunch

Water meter readings are essential for accurate billing — they ensure you're only paying for what you use and help detect leaks early.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

💧 Why Water Meter Readings Matter

Your water bill is based on two components:

  • A standing charge (for supplying water to the property)

  • A usage charge (based on the amount of water used)

💡 Did you know? Your sewage charges are also calculated based on your water usage.

Most water suppliers only take meter readings once or twice a year, which means your bills are often based on estimates. These can lead to:

  • Overcharges for water you haven’t used

  • Undetected leaks that result in high backdated bills

  • Disputes after you’ve moved out (when it’s harder to prove usage)

Submitting accurate water readings helps avoid these issues.

📸 How to Take a Water Meter Reading

Taking a reading is simple:

  1. Locate your water meter (see tips below)

  2. Write down the reading — only the black numbers before the decimal point (ignore any red or small numbers after the decimal)

  3. Take a clear photo of:

    • The meter display

    • The date you took the reading

📤 Submit your reading by emailing the photo and reading to [email protected]

📍 Where Is My Water Meter Located?

Depending on your property, the water meter may be:

  • Inside: under the kitchen sink, in a basement, or in a garage

  • Outside: in the front garden, pavement, or in a wall-mounted box labeled “water”

  • In flats: often in a communal cupboard or garage

If you're renting, your letting agent or landlord should:

  • Provide the opening water meter reading and photo in your inventory

  • Let you know the meter’s location

  • If not, please contact them directly for assistance.

🧾 Do I Need to Submit Water Readings Regularly?

Yes — even if:

  • Your supplier sends bills based on estimates

  • You're on an unlimited water tariff

Why? Because:

  • Readings help detect leaks early

  • You’re still responsible for repairing leaks, even on unlimited plans

  • They support accurate billing, especially at move-in/move-out

📅 When Should I Send a Reading?

We recommend submitting a water reading:

  • At move-in and move-out

  • Every few months if you're on a metered supply

  • If you suspect a leak or billing issue

  • When we request it via email (a form may be included)

Email the reading and photo to [email protected]

🚱 No Water Supply? Here's What to Do

If you’ve lost water supply:

  1. Check your local water supplier’s website for planned works or outages.
    You can find your supplier here: Find Your Water Supplier

  2. Check if the stopcock (main valve) inside your property has been accidentally turned off.

  3. If none of the above helps, contact your water supplier directly or email us if you’re unsure who to contact.

🆘 Need Help?

If you:

  • Can’t locate your meter

  • Are unsure if your reading is correct

  • Need help disputing a bill or leak charge

Reach out to us:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 0333 358 3377

We’re here to help make your water billing as simple and accurate as possible.

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