Plumbers identify the issue
Curious and concerned about his bill, Memon hired plumbers to figure out what was going on. Leaks, for example, can often cause extremely high water bills, but the plumbers said there were no issues inside Memon’s apartment.
The problem apparently came from the crossed water meters outside. As it turns out, Memon wasn't being charged for his own water usage — he was actually paying for his neighbor's water bill.
To verify the plumber’s suspicion, Memon and KPRC 2 reporter Rilwan Balogun conducted a simple test. They turned on the faucets in Memon’s apartment and watched the water meters outside the property. The two quickly noticed the meter that was running was in fact the one assigned to the neighbor’s apartment.
“We went upstairs and turned off the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom,” Balogun explained. “When we went back downstairs, the meter that was running stopped immediately.
Memon, who was growing frustrated with the issue, didn’t quite understand how the city’s technicians couldn’t identify the problem.
Luckily for Memon, his story has a happy ending. The City of Houston's Public Works Department sent a technician, who confirmed Memon’s water meter was incorrectly connected to his neighbor’s account. The issue has since been fixed, and Memon will receive a credit on his next water bill for the overages.
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Learn MoreWhat to do if you suspect you're paying a neighbor's bill
Unfortunately, Memon is not the only person to discover that they're paying for a neighbor's utilities. Last year a woman in San Diego found out that, for two entire years, she was paying the electricity bill for her entire apartment complex.
If you find yourself in a similar situation — or think you might be — there are steps you can take to verify whether your bill is accurate.
Find out the average water bill in your area
Start by asking what your neighbors or friends in similar-sized places pay for water. For example, if your apartment building has two- and four-bedroom units, ask another renter of a two-bedroom unit what they spend each month on water.
Also, take a good look at your water bill. Some municipalities list how usage has changed over the last few years by showing the same month's usage in the last year or two. This can help you spot significant increases, but if the meters have been mixed up for several years, it might not show a difference.
Review the water meter yourself
Take regular meter readings to monitor your water consumption and compare them with your billing statements. If you notice discrepancies between your meter readings and your bill, it may indicate an issue. Most water meters are easily accessible on the outside of your home, and checking them monthly can help you catch errors early.
If you suspect the water meters are crossed, like in Memon's case, test the meter by running water in your apartment to verify the correct meter is running.
Ask for a meter audit or a new meter
If you suspect your meter is faulty or connected incorrectly, ask your water provider to check it and inquire about your eligibility for an upgraded meter. Many areas are switching to smart meters that can be read remotely, which can prevent issues with incorrect readings. Smart meters may also provide access to an app that allows you to track water usage, which makes it easier to spot significant increases that might indicate an issue.
Memon hopes his water bill ordeal has finally come to an end. To prevent similar challenges, check your water meter regularly and speak up if the numbers seem off.
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