Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
When someone dies, notifying United Utilities is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long United Utilities takes to process a bereavement notification.
United Utilities bereavement contact details
Phone: 0345 672 3723 — Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Call 0345 672 3723 or use the online bereavement form. United Utilities is the water supplier for north-west England, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, and Merseyside.
Have a certified copy of the death certificate, the account number from a water bill, and a meter reading ready if the property has a meter.
If the property is being vacated or sold, the account will be closed. If a new occupant is moving in, they will need to set up their own account.
A final bill will be issued for usage up to the closure date. Direct debits will be cancelled automatically.
United Utilities will confirm closure in writing. The process typically takes 1–3 weeks.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
United Utilities typically takes 1–3 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
Once United Utilities receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
United Utilities will generate a final bill based on the last meter reading. Any direct debit will be cancelled, and any credit on the account will be refunded to the estate. If the account is in debit, the outstanding balance becomes a debt of the estate. The new occupier or landlord will need to set up their own account.
Do not delay notifying United Utilities
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying United Utilities promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Thames Water bereavement: 0800 009 3987 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–1pm). Cancel direct debit, get final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Severn Trent bereavement: 0345 750 0500 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–1pm). Covers Midlands and parts of Wales. Cancel direct debit, final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Yorkshire Water bereavement: 0345 1 24 24 24 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Anglian Water bereavement: 03457 145 145 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Covers east England. Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Southern Water bereavement: 0330 303 0368 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Covers Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95