Miami, FL · plumbing problem
High water bill in Miami: leaks and WASD adjustments
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer can adjust bills after a customer-side leak is repaired, but for accounts billed monthly, it adjusts only the sewer portion, not the water lost. Repairs must be complete, and an underground or concealed leak review can take up to 60 days, so fix the leak, keep proof, and apply.
What's different in Miami
For accounts billed monthly, WASD doesn't adjust for water lost through leaks on the customer's plumbing; adjustments apply only to the sewer portion of the bill. [1]
If repairs aren't complete or there's evidence of more water loss, an adjustment may not be granted. [1]
An adjustment request for an underground or concealed leak may take up to 60 days. [1]
Where Miami water goes
| Clue | Likely leak |
|---|---|
| Toilet hisses or refills | Flapper or fill valve |
| Soggy lawn strip | Irrigation line or service line |
| Warm spot on tile | Hot-water slab leak |
| Pool level drops fast | Pool fill valve or plumbing |
Before you apply
Confirm with the meter
All water off; watch for movement.
Repair completely
Partial repairs can sink the request.
Document
Plumber invoice and photos.
Apply and wait
Up to 60 days for concealed leaks; WASD is at 305-468-5900.
Slab homes
Most Miami homes are slab-on-grade, so supply leaks hide under tile. Leak detection and the slab leak signs guide help before you break concrete.
You may also be dealing with
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomToilet keeps running
Common questions
Will Miami-Dade credit water lost to a leak?
For monthly-billed accounts, only the sewer portion is adjusted, not the water.
Does the leak have to be fixed before WASD adjusts?
Yes; incomplete repairs or continued water loss can mean no adjustment.
How long does a WASD concealed-leak review take?
Up to 60 days.
What's the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer phone number?
305-468-5900, or 311.
Why does WASD credit only sewer charges?
Leaked water usually didn't go down the drain, so no sewer service was used for it.
What leaks are common in Miami homes?
Toilets, irrigation, slab leaks and pool fill problems.
How do I prove a Miami leak was repaired?
A plumber's invoice and photos of the repair.
Can a pool raise my Miami water bill?
A leaking pool or stuck fill valve can add a lot of use.
How do I test my Miami meter for a leak?
Turn off all water and watch the meter for movement.
Are slab leaks common in Miami?
Slab homes hide supply leaks under tile, so they're a frequent cause of unexplained use.
More plumbing help in Miami
- Toilet Installation in MiamiMiami-Dade Water and Sewer toilet rebates: the pre-1996 home rule, senior homeowner rebate amounts, WaterSense-only models, inspections, and multifamily limits.
- Water bill suddenly high: the full guideWhat makes a water bill jump: running toilets, irrigation, hidden leaks, a billing estimate or a rate change. How to sort them out in under an hour.
- Plumbing in MiamiLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Miami homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- High water bill in San Antonio? Find the leak, then ask SAWS for an adjustmentA high SAWS bill usually means a leak. How to find it, which leaks SAWS reviews for a credit, the 60-day deadline after repair, and the paperwork it wants.
- High water bill in Atlanta: leaks, meters and account adjustmentsA high Atlanta water bill: what the Department of Watershed Management can adjust under city code, why private-line leaks are often the owner's, and how to prepare.
- High water bills in Chicago: metered vs. unmetered homesChicago water bills: unmetered single-family homes and two-flats can get a free meter through MeterSave with a 7-year bill guarantee. And how to find a leak.
- High water bill in Houston: leak adjustments under city codeHouston's leak adjustment: credits for leaks from freezes, corrosion or wear, 100% to 50% by repair speed, and the paperwork needed.
- High water bill in Dallas: DWU leak adjustmentsDallas leak adjustments: customers pay for leaked water, but DWU can bill excess use at the lowest rate for up to three months, once a year.
Sources (1)
- Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, Leak adjustment request form · checked 2026-10-03