Severn Trent customers could benefit from free checks that could help them fix leaks, make their home more water efficient and potentially save them some money.  

The water company is offering free home water efficiency checks, with an expert Severn Trent engineer visiting their property to look at current water use and check for simple leaks on taps, toilets and showers, which they’ll repair if possible. The engineers can also fit water saving products such as low-flow showerheads or cistern displacement devices, and share tips and advice.  

While Severn Trent will proactively contact metered customers who supply unusually high readings, the service is available to all customers, whether they use a water meter or receive a flat-rate bill.  

The company is also making it easier than ever before for customers to report potential leaks that they spot themselves, using a platform called called Vyn, which allows customers to send a video of a suspected leak to Severn Trent. An expert engineer can then review the footage and advise the customers of whether they can send someone out to make a repair free of charge or recommend a WaterSafe-approved plumber in their area. 

Sophie Evans-Young, Customer Demand Lead at Severn Trent, said: “The pressures to our water supplies coupled with the ongoing cost of living crisis makes it more important than ever before to ensure that your home is as water efficient as possible. 

“Customers might already be familiar with some basic water-saving tips around the house, such as cutting down shower times and not running the tap when brushing their teeth, but unseen leaks could mean that they're spending more than they need on their water bill.   

“While it may not sound like much, a leaking loo could waste up to 400 litres of water each day – that's the same as 700 pints, or five full bathtubs – which could cost them £300 a year if they’re on a meter! 

“Through the home water efficiency checks and Vyn, we can help to ensure customers aren’t losing water to leaks which could be affecting their household bills. While this is particularly important as during the summer when there’s more demand for water, it’s something that we all need to consider year-round.”  

By making a few small changes to the ways that they use water, an average family of four could see savings of up to £1,300 a year by:  

 

Cutting daily shower times from 10 to 5 minutes - £700 a year 

Switching off taps when brushing their teeth - £100 a year 

Fixing a leaky toilet - £300 a year  

Changing to a low-flow shower head - £100 a year 

Cutting out two dishwasher runs per week by only running with full loads - £75 a year 

Cutting out two washing machine runs per week by only running with full loads - £50 a year 

Dripping tap (2 drips/sec) - £15 a year 

Constantly dripping taps - £90 a year 

 

Customers may see an additional saving by switching to a water meter free of charge, as they only pay for what they use, which could generate savings vs a flat-rate bill.  

For more information on how to report a suspected leak using the Vyn platform, visit stwater.co.uk and click on Send us a video of your problem or issue on the homepage. 

If customers have any questions or to book a home water efficiency check, they can call 0330 159 5070 between 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday to speak to one of the team. 

ENDS