If your water bill is rising even though you are following the restrictions of a hosepipe ban, an unnoticed leak could be the reason. A ban restricts certain outdoor uses; it does not stop water escaping from a dripping tap, leaking toilet or damaged supply pipe.
In summer 2026, hosepipe restrictions are in force across several water-company areas. Thames Water’s temporary hosepipe ban began on 23 July 2026 and remains in force, while South East Water’s hosepipe restrictions apply across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. If you need help investigating a suspected leak, contact Platinum Plumbers’ local plumbing team on 020 8855 0361.
Why Can Your Bill Stay High During a Hosepipe Ban?
A hosepipe ban can reduce deliberate outdoor water use, but it does not stop water flowing through faulty plumbing. If you have a water meter, water passing through it can increase your measured consumption and therefore your bill.
Slow leaks are particularly easy to miss. A toilet cistern may continually allow water into the pan, while an underground supply-pipe leak can release water without leaving an obvious puddle inside the property.
A hosepipe ban also does not mean that your water charges are reduced. For metered customers, the amount charged is based on water used, so an unexpected increase in measured consumption is worth investigating. South East Water confirms that customers do not receive a rebate simply because of its temporary use ban.
Which Hidden Leaks Should You Check First?
Start with fittings that can waste water continuously without looking obviously broken. A slow-dripping tap can waste a significant amount of water over time, particularly if it is left running day and night.
Toilets deserve particular attention. A faulty inlet valve or flush mechanism can allow water to run continuously into the pan, sometimes quietly enough to go unnoticed. Listen for a faint running-water sound after flushing and look for movement or rippling in the bowl when the toilet has not been used.
Also check accessible pipework, appliance connections and outdoor taps. Damp patches, unexplained puddles, mould or persistent hissing can point towards a leak. If the suspected leak is hidden behind a wall, beneath flooring or underground, avoid opening up the property until the source has been properly identified.
A hosepipe ban restricts certain outdoor uses; it does not prevent water being lost through a leaking plumbing system.
How Can You Check for a Water-meter Leak Yourself?
First, turn off taps, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and other water-using appliances. Record the meter reading, wait at least 30 minutes and check it again. If the reading has changed, water has passed through the meter and you should investigate further. CCW also recommends checking whether a meter dial is moving when all water-using appliances are switched off.
You can also test a toilet with food colouring. Put a few drops into the cistern without flushing. If coloured water appears in the bowl, the flush mechanism is allowing water to escape.
Check outdoor taps and hose connections for visible drips or dampness as well. If your meter is outside, only inspect it if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to lift a heavy metal meter cover.
Who Is Responsible for a Water Leak?
Responsibility depends on where the leak is located. The water company is responsible for the public water main and, generally, the communication pipe connecting the main to the property’s supply pipe.
The homeowner is normally responsible for external supply pipework within the property boundary and internal plumbing, although arrangements can vary. If you are unsure, check with your water company before arranging repairs.
If the leak is on private pipework, contact your water company to ask whether its leakage policy offers any assistance or allowance. If the source is inside the property or on private pipework that needs repair, a qualified plumber can investigate and fix it.
The cost of professional leak detection and repair varies considerably depending on the location of the leak, access and the work required. Ask for a clear quotation before work begins.
What Should You Do If Your Water Bill Has Increased?
First check whether the increase reflects actual water use: compare your latest meter reading with the previous reading and check whether either reading was estimated.
If your actual consumption has increased unexpectedly, carry out the meter test and inspect the obvious leak points around your home. A higher bill does not automatically mean there is a leak; it can also result from increased household use or an estimated reading being replaced by an actual one.
If the meter moves when everything is switched off, note the readings and contact your water company about its leakage process. If you cannot locate the source, professional investigation can help identify concealed or underground leaks before unnecessary areas of the property are opened.
Don’t Let a Hosepipe Ban Hide a Leak
A hosepipe ban changes how you use water outdoors, but it cannot prevent water being lost through faulty toilets, taps or hidden pipework. If your metered consumption is rising unexpectedly, first check the readings, then investigate for a leak and establish who is responsible before arranging repairs. If you need professional help finding or fixing a suspected leak, request a free, no-obligation quote from Platinum Plumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hosepipe ban make my water bill higher?
Not directly. A hosepipe ban restricts specified outdoor uses; it does not increase your water charge. If your metered consumption has risen, check for a leak or another change in household water use.
How do I know if my water meter is showing a leak?
Turn off all water-using appliances, record the meter reading and check it again after at least 30 minutes. If the reading changes while no water is being used, water has passed through the meter and there may be a leak.
Will my water company pay for a leak on my property?
It depends on where the leak is and the water company’s policy. Public mains are generally the company’s responsibility, while private supply pipework and internal plumbing are normally the customer’s responsibility. Ask your water company about available leakage assistance.
Should I call a plumber for a hidden water leak?
If your meter indicates water is passing through the system but you cannot find the source, professional help is sensible. This is particularly relevant for leaks beneath floors, behind walls or underground, where locating the source accurately can prevent unnecessary disruption.