First: stop the water leaving
No adjustment is possible while the leak is still running, and the longer it runs the bigger the next bill. Shut the water off at the main if the leak is bad, and get the leak found and repaired. Keep every document from that repair.
What usually helps a claim
- A dated, itemised invoice describing the leak and the repair
- Photographs of the leak before and after the work
- The bill that shows the unusual usage
- Proof the repair was done promptly once you knew
We write our invoices so they can be handed straight to SAWS: what the leak was, where it was, and what was repaired.
How the process works
- Repair the leak
Adjustments are for leaks that have been fixed, not ones still running.
- Gather the paperwork
Invoice, photos and the high bill.
- Contact SAWS
Ask customer service for a leak adjustment on the affected account, and send what they ask for.
- Watch the next bills
Usage should drop back to normal once the leak is gone. If it does not, there is a second leak.
Eligibility rules, limits and how often you can claim are set by SAWS and do change, so confirm the current terms with them directly at saws.org or on the number on your bill.
Signs the leak is on your side of the meter
Turn everything off inside and watch the meter dial. If it still creeps, water is moving somewhere on your property — that is your line, and your repair. A warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water, or a soggy patch of lawn narrows it down. Everything on the street side of the meter belongs to SAWS.
Questions people ask
How do I know I even have a hidden leak?
The meter test is the quickest check: turn off every fixture, note the meter, wait 30 minutes and look again. Movement with nothing running means a leak.
Does a leak adjustment cover the repair cost?
No. It relates to the water charges on the bill, not to the plumbing work. The repair itself is yours, and your home insurance may cover resulting damage.
How fast should I repair it?
Straight away. Delay costs more water, risks foundation and floor damage, and a leak left running is harder to argue as a one-off event.