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Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has shared that homeowners could potentially slash hundreds from their water bill, even without having a water meter installed. When looking to reduce expenses, many homeowners choose to install a water meter. Anyone in England can request a water meter, regardless of how long they have lived at the address. You can also request one if you rent your home.

However, not every property qualifies for one. While residents in England and Wales can typically obtain a water meter free of charge upon request, it might not be possible to install one if there are access constraints, such as if you live in a flat with shared pipes. However, in these circumstances, people may ask for an 'assessed charge bill'.

MSE, which was founded by Martin Lewis, explains: "To get a water meter installed, you can head over to your provider's website and see if you can apply - you'll usually need to fill in an application form - or give it a call and ask.

"It should be free to get one installed and water meters can be fitted inside and outside your home. If you can't get a water meter fitted due to lack of space or access, your water company should offer you an assessed charges bill."

According to the MSE team, there are several factors that could be used to determine an 'assessed charge bill', but this often includes the number of bedrooms in your property or the number of people who live there. Some homeowners have saved hundreds of pounds by switching.

One real-life example shared in MSE's weekly round-up highlighted how a homeowner saved £500 a year by requesting an assessed charge bill. MoneySaver Luke said: "My water company wanted to charge me £50 a month for just me in a two-bed flat.

"I called them to negotiate - they told me that's the price and to deal with it. I looked on MSE and saw the value of getting a water meter installed. I'm now on assessed charges of around £100 a year, saving me £500 a year that quickly!"

MSE features additional success stories on a webpage on a webpage sharing advicefor people looking to cut their water bills. Another MoneySaver shared that they had saved almost £200.

Luke explained that he took similar action after being told a water meter could not be fitted at his home. Luke shared: "They said they'd put me on an assessed household charge and my bill would go from £567 to £370 and I'd remain unmetered. Almost a £200 saving!"