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Estimates Only: This calculator provides estimates based on typical usage. Contact your water company for exact rates.
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Should you switch to a water meter? This metered vs unmetered guide helps UK households understand the differences between metered vs unmetered water billing and decide whichmetered vs unmetered option is best for you.
The metered vs unmetered decision depends on your household. According to CCW, most UK households save money by switching from unmetered to metered water. Use this metered vs unmetered guide to make the right choice.
If you have more bedrooms than people, metered water is usually cheaper. If you have more people than bedrooms, unmetered may be better.
Choose Metered:
2 people in 3-bed home = metered wins
Stay Unmetered:
4 people in 2-bed home = unmetered wins
Compare metered vs unmetered water billing side by side. Understanding the differences between metered vs unmetered helps you make an informed decision. Our metered vs unmeteredcomparison uses data from Ofwat.
With metered water, you pay for what you use. Metered billing charges per cubic metre (m³) plus a standing charge. Metered water is measured by your water meter.
With unmetered water, you pay a fixed annual amount. Unmeteredbills are based on your property's rateable value. Unmetered charges don't change with usage.
The metered vs unmetered decision varies by household. According to Waterwise, understanding your water usage helps with the metered vs unmetered choice. Here's our detailed metered vs unmetered breakdown.
Metered water is usually better in these metered vs unmetered scenarios:
Unmetered is often better in these metered vs unmetered scenarios:
The metered vs unmetered cost difference varies by household size. This metered vs unmetered data from CCW shows typical annual costs. Use our calculator for your specific metered vs unmetered comparison.
| Household | Metered | Unmetered | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person, 2-bed | ~£280 | ~£420 | Metered |
| 2 people, 3-bed | ~£380 | ~£520 | Metered |
| 3 people, 3-bed | ~£480 | ~£520 | Similar |
| 4 people, 3-bed | ~£580 | ~£520 | Unmetered |
| 5 people, 4-bed | ~£680 | ~£640 | Unmetered |
* Metered vs unmetered estimates based on average UK water rates 2025/26
Worried about the metered vs unmetered switch? Most water companies let you trymetered water risk-free. This metered vs unmetered trial period makes the decision easier.
Most water companies offer a trial period of 12-24 months when switching fromunmetered to metered. During this metered vs unmeteredtrial, you can switch back to unmetered if metered costs more.
12-24
months trial
£0
meter installation
Free
to switch back
Contact your water company about their metered vs unmetered trial. Ofwat requires all companies to offer this option.
Decided that metered is better after reading our metered vs unmetered guide? Here's how to make the metered vs unmetered switch.
Use our metered vs unmetered calculator before switching
Request metered water from your water company
Metered installation is free (2-4 weeks)
Compare metered vs unmetered over 12-24 months
Use these calculators to make your metered vs unmetered decision easier. Our tools help you understand the metered vs unmetered difference for your household.
Our metered vs unmetered guide uses information from these trusted UK sources. Visit them for official metered vs unmetered guidance.
Use our free calculator to see which is cheaper: metered vs unmetered water billing. Get your personalised metered vs unmetered comparison in seconds.
Compare Metered vs Unmetered Now