Water Meter London
High water bill, meter reading questions, or meter running when all taps are off? We investigate and fix water leaks across London — and help you understand your Thames Water meter and supply pipe responsibilities.
- Water meter
- Supply pipe from water main to meter
- Public water main in the street
- Supply pipe from property boundary to stopcock
- All internal plumbing
- Supply pipe under your front garden or driveway
Thames Water helpline: 0800 009 3921 — free, 24/7. For leaks in Thames Water infrastructure, call them first. For your private supply pipe and internal plumbing, call us.
Meter Running? Find the Leak.
If your Thames Water meter is showing unexpectedly high consumption, one of these sources is almost always the cause:
Running Toilet
Waste: 200–400 litres/day
Check: Put food colouring in the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl without flushing, the flap valve is leaking.
Fix: Flap valve replacement £65–£95 · Fill valve replacement £75–£120
Dripping Tap
Waste: ~5,500 litres/year per tap
Check: Check all taps — including those not used regularly. Outside taps commonly left dripping after winter.
Fix: Tap washer replacement £65–£95 · Tap replacement £85–£180
Supply Pipe Crack
Waste: Variable — 100–1,000+ litres/day
Check: Turn off internal stopcock. If meter still moves, leak is in supply pipe between meter and stopcock.
Fix: Pipe repair £180–£400 · May require excavation if under pathway
Central Heating Leak
Waste: System pressure drops repeatedly
Check: Is boiler pressure dropping? Is water visible near any radiator valves or pipe joints?
Fix: Leak detection + repair £95–£350 depending on location
Garden Irrigation or Hosepipe
Waste: 300–1,000+ litres/hour when running
Check: Check outdoor taps and hose connections. Drip irrigation systems can leak undetected for weeks.
Fix: Outdoor tap repair £65–£150 · Irrigation check and repair
Property Boundary Pipe
Waste: Up to 1,000+ litres/day if cracked
Check: Damp patch in garden or on public pavement near your property. Meter moves with all internal taps off.
Fix: Leak detection + pipe repair £250–£600 · May involve Thames Water
Water Meter Prices — London 2026
| Service | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Water meter location and reading | 30–45 min | £65 |
| High water bill leak investigation | 1–2 hrs | £95–£150 |
| Running toilet repair (flap/fill valve) | 30–60 min | £65–£120 inc. part |
| Supply pipe leak detection (internal) | 1–2 hrs | £95–£150 |
| Internal water sub-meter installation (London flat) | 1.5–2.5 hrs | £180–£280 inc. meter |
| Supply pipe repair (internal, accessible) | 1–3 hrs | £150–£400 inc. parts |
| Supply pipe repair (external / excavation) | Half to full day | £400–£1,200+ |
Fixed quote before starting. No call-out fee. 7 days a week.
Water Meter Help Across All London Boroughs
Water Meter FAQs
Should I switch to a water meter in London?
Worth it if your household has fewer people than bedrooms. Thames Water charges unmetered properties based on old rateable values. Use the Consumer Council for Water calculator. Thames Water installs meters free. You can switch back within 12 months if bills go up.
Where is my water meter in my London property?
Usually in a plastic chamber in the pavement outside your boundary — lift the cover with a screwdriver or meter key. In flats, it may be in the communal corridor or basement. Call Thames Water on 0800 009 3921 if you can't find it.
My water bill has suddenly increased — could I have a leak?
Very likely. Turn off all appliances and watch your meter — if the dial is moving, water is flowing somewhere. Common London causes: running toilet cistern (200–400 litres/day), dripping tap, hidden pipe leak, or garden hose left connected.
Who is responsible for the water meter and supply pipe in London?
Thames Water owns the meter and supply pipe up to your property boundary. Everything from the boundary inwards — including the supply pipe under your front garden — is your responsibility. This surprises many London homeowners.
Can I get a water meter installed inside my London flat?
Yes — Thames Water installs meters in communal areas. Individual flat sub-meters are also possible. We install internal sub-meters in London flats from £180 including the meter and isolation valve.
My water meter is running when all taps are off — what should I do?
Check the toilet first (dye test in cistern). Check garden taps. Then turn off the internal stopcock — if the meter stops, the leak is inside. If it keeps moving, the leak is in the supply pipe or the meter itself. Call us for same-day leak investigation.
Related Services
High Water Bill or Meter Query? Call Us Today.
Leak investigation from £95 · No call-out fee · All 33 London boroughs
📞 Call 020 0000 0000