City of sugar Land water leak

Save Money

Assuming there are no leaks in your house can cost you money.

The city would like to offer the following tips and encourage all customers to monitor their homes for possible water leaks. Leaks not only waste water; they cost you money.

First Sign

One of the first indications of a water leak is an unexplained increase in the usage amount and dollar amount on your monthly water bill. If there is an increase in usage that cannot be explained (extra people in the house, lawn watering, faucet left on, etc) there is a possibility that a toilet is leaking, a faucet is dripping, or there is a break in the water line between the meter and the house. Other sources of leaks can be the sprinkler system, the water softener, or the automatic fill on the swimming pool.

Monitor Your Meter

To identify leaks, we suggest that you monitor your meter. You will need to conduct the monitoring during a time period when you will not be using water. Monitoring while no one is home is ideal. First, turn off all water inside and outside the house. Write down the reading on the meter and the position of the sweep hand. Do not use any water for at least two hours. At the end on the monitoring period, read the meter a second time. If the second reading is different from the first, water flowed through the meter, indicating there may be a leak.

Check Toilets First

If a leak is detected, we recommend that you check your toilets first. Our experience shows that most leaks occur in the toilet. A leaking toilet tank can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day and cost you 46 cents per day, $13.80 per month!

A toilet flapper hung partially open can waste up to 1,666 gallons of water per day and cost you $3.87 per day, $116.10 per month!

To check for a leaking toilet you will need some food coloring (any color). Flush the toilet. Then put enough coloring in the tank to color the water. Do not flush the toilet for at least an hour. If the water in the bowl of the toilet becomes colored there is a leak that
will need to be repaired.

Water Faucets

Water faucets, inside and outside of the house, can also be leaking. One hundred drips per minute can waste up to 33 gallons per day. That's 8 cents per day, $2.40 per month, and $28.80 per year! In most cases, a leaking faucet is caused by a worn washer or "O" ring. Look around the yard.

If there is a leak in the water line there will be a spot in the yard that never dries up. This could indicate that the water line below needs to be replaced.

Sprinkler Systems

If you have a sprinkler system, turn on the system and check each sprinkler head and make sure that it is working properly. Also trace the sprinkler line to make sure there is not a leak between sprinkler heads.

Water Softeners & Swimming Pools

Water softeners and swimming pools with an automatic fill device are other possible sources for leaks.

Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure all leaks are repaired in a timely manner. The city is responsible for the main water line and the meter itself. Leaks on the city's line do not affect the charges on your water bill.

The city said the adjustments will only be made to water and surface water charges.

SUGAR LAND, Texas — The City of Sugar Land is offering to adjust high water bills for residents that were impacted by the winter storm.

The city said to request an adjustment, documentation of a leaking or broken pipe will be necessary. 

"Residential adjustments will be made only to water and surface water charges as wastewater charges are not affected by increased usage due to winter averaging." 

Click here to apply for an adjustment. 

If you don't qualify for an adjustment, the City of Sugar Land said you can request a payment plan if you are in a financial bind.

The city has a Utility Assistance Program that is distributed through Fort Bend Social Services. 

For utility bill questions, you can call 281-275-2750. 

If you want your water bill adjusted after last week's storm, here are the steps you need to take 👇

Residents who don’t qualify for adjustments may still request a payment plan. Contact our Treasury office at 281-275-2750. For more resources, visit https://t.co/AkJmFFlmAp pic.twitter.com/D0MkGvys2e

— City of Sugar Land (@SugarLandtxgov) February 25, 2021

The City of Sugar Land is not the only Houston-area authority offering to help residents who may be hit with higher than normal water bills. 

The City of Houston is telling residents to ignore their huge water bills. 

Houston's public works department is asking residents to pay what they paid on their last bill until automatic adjustments are applied. 

If you are a City of Houston resident and have questions, you can call 713-371-1400 to talk to a customer service representative.

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