Find your water meter
Outdoor meters are commonly beneath a small cover near the pavement or property boundary. Flats may have a shared cupboard. Indoor meters are often near the internal stop tap, under the kitchen sink or in a utility space.
Read the right digits
Write down the black digits from left to right. They show cubic metres. Ignore red digits, decimal places and small rotating dials when submitting a routine reading. If the display is digital, wake it using the button or cover instructions.
- Confirm the meter serial number matches your bill.
- Take a clear photo showing the date where possible.
- Never force a heavy or unsafe boundary cover.
Use the meter to test for a leak
Make sure no water is being used, record the exact display and wait 30 minutes. If it advances, check toilets and visible pipework first. A small spinner can reveal low-flow leaks before the main digits noticeably change.
This guide provides general information. Your supplier’s tariff, bill and support-team advice take precedence for your account.