A FEW months ago I asked my plumber to do some alterations.

He told me that my mains water stop-cock in the house might need changing. He decided to turn the water off at the mains in the street.

He came in and said: "Do you know you have a water leak?"

Yes, there was a drip leak, on the connection, on my side of the meter. The little silver

wheel could be seen going round.

I contacted Southern Water, who attended and confirmed the leak and said the meter and connection must be replaced.

In a matter of days, they were digging a hole and replacing the meter. But what about the leak that wasn't my fault and I had paid for water that had just gone down the drain?

I was told by the workmen that the office would sort it out. My next water bill came in and there was no adjustment.

I called them and very quickly they looked into my case. It was agreed that the increase of water usage probably dated back to 2015. I quite quickly got a refund on my water bill of about £400.

So please check your meter... it could well be worth it.

John Butler

Melrose Ave

Portslade