How To Start Water Service At New Home: Guide

Do I need to call the utility company to turn on water at my new home? Yes, you will almost always need to contact your local utility company to start water service at a new home.

Moving into a new house is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. But before you can unpack, a crucial step awaits: getting your water turned on. This guide will walk you through the process of starting water service at your new residence, ensuring you have this essential utility ready from day one. We’ll cover everything from finding the right company to understanding potential deposits and what happens with your new home plumbing.

Finding Your Water Provider

The first step in residential water setup is identifying the correct entity responsible for providing water in your area. This is typically a municipal water department or a private water company.

How to Identify the Right Utility Company Contact

Check Your Closing Documents: Your real estate agent or closing attorney often provides a list of utility companies to contact. Look for documents related to your home purchase.
Ask the Previous Owner: If possible, chat with the person who previously lived in the house. They can tell you who their water provider was.
Online Search: A quick internet search for “[Your City/Town] water service” or “[Your County] water department” should bring up the relevant information.
Local Government Website: Your city or county’s official website is a good resource for departmental contact information.
Neighbors: Your new neighbors are often happy to share information about local services.

The Service Application Process

Once you know who to call, you’ll need to initiate the service application. This process ensures the municipal water service is correctly registered in your name.

What Information is Needed for a Water Service Application?

Be prepared to provide several pieces of information when you contact the utility company:

Your Name and Contact Information: This includes your phone number and email address.
New Address: The full address of the property where you need water service.
Previous Address: Some companies may ask for this for verification.
Date Service is Needed: Specify the exact date you want the water to be turned on.
Proof of Residency: This could be a copy of your lease agreement, purchase contract, or a driver’s license with your new address.
Social Security Number (SSN): This is often used for credit checks.
Account Holder’s Name: If multiple people will be on the account.

Submitting Your Service Application

Most utility companies allow you to apply for service in a few ways:

Online: Many providers have user-friendly websites where you can complete the application electronically. This is often the quickest method.
By Phone: You can call the customer service line and have a representative guide you through the application.
In Person: Some smaller or older utility departments might require an in-person visit to their office.

Setting Up Your New Water Connection

After your application is submitted, the utility company will schedule the new water connection. This involves making sure the water is flowing to your home under your account.

Scheduling Your Water Turn-On Date

Advance Notice is Key: It’s highly recommended to start this process at least one to two weeks before your desired move-in date. This buffer time helps avoid any last-minute hiccups.
Confirmation: Always get confirmation of your service start date and time, if provided.
Flexibility: If you’re flexible with your turn-on date, it might make scheduling easier, especially during peak moving seasons.

What Happens on the Day of the New Water Connection?

When the utility company comes to start your water service, here’s what you can typically expect:

Access to the Meter: The technician will need access to the water meter, which is usually located outside your home near the street or your property line.
Turning on the Water: They will open the main valve to allow water to flow into your new home plumbing.
No Need for You to Be Present (Usually): In most cases, you don’t need to be home for the initial turning on of water to your property, provided they have access to the meter and no internal work is required. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm this with the company.
Internal Checks: Once the water is on, it’s your responsibility to check all the faucets and toilets in your home for flow and any leaks.

Understanding Water Bill Deposits

Many utility companies require a water bill deposit before activating service. This is a common practice to mitigate the risk of non-payment.

Why is a Water Bill Deposit Required?

The deposit serves as a financial guarantee for the utility provider. It helps protect them in case a customer accumulates unpaid bills and then vacates the property without settling their account.

How Much is the Water Bill Deposit?

The amount of the deposit can vary significantly depending on the utility company, your credit history, and local regulations.

Credit Check: Some companies waive the deposit if you have a good credit history or can provide a letter of credit from a previous utility provider.
Typical Range: Deposits can range from $50 to $250 or even more.
Contact the Provider: The best way to find out the exact deposit amount is to ask the utility company directly during your application process.

Getting Your Deposit Back

Most deposits are refundable. Here’s how you typically get it back:

Good Payment History: Maintain a consistent history of on-time payments for a specified period (often 12-24 months).
Account Closure: When you eventually move out and close your account, the deposit will usually be applied to your final bill. If there’s a credit balance remaining, you’ll receive a refund.
Transferring Service: If you move to another property served by the same utility company and keep your account in good standing, you may be able to transfer your deposit.

Water Meter Installation and Readings

The water meter is the device that measures your water consumption. Understanding its role is important for accurate billing.

What is a Water Meter Installation?

A water meter installation is the process of physically connecting your home’s plumbing to the municipal water supply and installing the meter that tracks usage. In most new construction, this is handled by the builder or a contractor. When you are simply starting service at an existing home, the meter is already installed. The utility company’s responsibility is to ensure it’s active and reading for your account.

Reading Your Water Meter

Location: Water meters are typically located in a buried box near the street or sidewalk, often marked with a metal lid.
Reading the Dial: Meters usually have a dial with several numbers or a digital display. It’s important to learn how to read your specific meter if you want to track your consumption closely.
Purpose for Homeowners: Regularly reading your meter can help you identify potential leaks early on, as you can see if the meter is running when no water is being used inside your home.

Transferring Water Service

If you’re moving within the same service area, you might be able to perform a water supply transfer rather than starting a completely new account.

When to Consider a Water Supply Transfer

Moving to Another Property in the Same Area: If you’re moving from one house to another, but both are served by the same water utility company, a transfer might be possible and simpler.
Avoiding Deposits: Sometimes, transferring an existing account in good standing can help you avoid paying a new deposit.

How to Transfer Water Service

The process for transferring service is often similar to starting a new one:

Contact the Utility Company: Inform them that you are moving and wish to transfer your service.
Provide New Address: Give them the address of your new home.
Schedule Turn-Off/Turn-On: Arrange for the water to be turned off at your old address (if applicable) and turned on at your new address.
Update Account Information: Ensure your billing information and contact details are current.

Important Considerations for New Home Plumbing

When starting water service, it’s also wise to be aware of your new home plumbing system.

Initial Checks After Service is On

Check All Fixtures: Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, and run any appliances that use water (like dishwashers or washing machines) to ensure they are working correctly.
Look for Leaks: Pay close attention to pipes, connections, and fixtures for any signs of water leakage.
Water Pressure: Note the water pressure throughout your home. Unusually low pressure could indicate an issue.
Water Quality: Check the color and odor of the water. If it seems unusual, contact the utility company.

What if There’s No Water or Low Pressure?

If you’ve scheduled service and the water doesn’t come on, or the pressure is extremely low, don’t panic.

Confirm Turn-On Date: Double-check that the service activation date has indeed arrived.
Check Main Shut-Off Valve: Ensure the main water shut-off valve inside your home hasn’t been accidentally closed. This valve is typically located where the water pipe enters your house.
Contact the Utility Company Immediately: If you’ve confirmed the service should be active and the valve is open, call the utility company right away to report the issue. There might be an external problem they need to address.

Comparing Utility Providers (If Applicable)

In some regions, you might have a choice of water providers, or your water might be supplied by different entities depending on the source.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider:

Rates and Fees: Compare the cost per gallon or cubic foot of water, as well as any fixed monthly charges or service fees.
Deposit Requirements: As discussed, the initial deposit can vary.
Customer Service: Look for reviews or ask neighbors about their experiences with the company’s customer support.
Billing Options: Do they offer online payments, budget billing, or autopay?
Service Reliability: While generally reliable, some areas might have more frequent service interruptions than others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How far in advance should I apply for water service?
A1: It is best to apply for water service at least one to two weeks before your desired move-in date. This allows ample time for processing and scheduling.

Q2: Can I turn on the water myself without the utility company?
A2: No, you should never attempt to turn on the water service yourself by tampering with the main shut-off valve outside your property. This is the responsibility of the utility company and can lead to fines or service disconnection.

Q3: What happens if I miss the technician for the water meter installation?
A3: If you are required to be present for a water meter installation or a check and miss the appointment, the utility company will likely reschedule. There may be a missed appointment fee. It’s crucial to be present or arrange for someone to be there if required.

Q4: How long does it take to get water service turned on?
A4: Once your application is processed, it typically takes 1-3 business days for the turning on of water to commence. However, this can vary based on the utility company’s schedule and demand.

Q5: What if my new home has a well instead of municipal water service?
A5: If your new home uses a private well, you do not need to contact a municipal water service provider. You will be responsible for maintaining your well pump, pressure tank, and water filtration system. You may still need to arrange for electricity to power the well pump.

Q6: Can I use a different water company than the one the previous owner used?
A6: In most areas, especially those served by a single municipal water service, you do not have a choice of providers. Your water is supplied by the designated utility for your geographic location.

Q7: What is a water bill deposit for?
A7: A water bill deposit is a one-time payment collected by the utility company as a security measure against unpaid bills. It is usually refundable after a period of consistent, on-time payments.

Q8: How can I check for leaks in my new home plumbing?
A8: After water service is on, check all faucets, toilets, and visible pipes for drips or moisture. You can also monitor your water meter when no water is in use; if the meter’s indicator continues to move, it suggests a leak.

This comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge to confidently start water service at your new home. By following these steps and planning ahead, you can ensure this essential utility is ready when you are.