San Antonio, TX · plumbing problem
High water bill in San Antonio? Find the leak, then ask SAWS for an adjustment
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
A sudden jump in a San Antonio water bill usually means a leak: toilets, irrigation and broken pipes are the common culprits. Once the leak is repaired, SAWS may credit part of the lost water; it isn't obligated to, but it reviews requests submitted within 60 days of the repair with proof the leak was fixed, and decisions can take up to 30 days.
What's different in San Antonio
If a bill is unusually high because of a leak on your property that has been repaired, you may be eligible for a credit covering part of the excess water; SAWS has no legal obligation but will grant a reasonable adjustment when conditions are met. [1]
Eligible leak types include faucets, toilets, showerheads, broken pipes in walls, foundations or yards, irrigation systems, pressure reducing valves, flex supply lines, water heaters or softeners, and pool fill problems. [1]
Requests must be submitted within 60 days of the repair, with documentation such as a licensed plumber's receipt, parts receipts or a detailed description of the repair. [1]
SAWS's review of an adjustment request can take up to 30 days. [1]
Symptoms behind a high bill
| Clue | Likely cause | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet refills on its own | Flapper or fill valve leak | Dye tablet in the tank; color in the bowl without flushing means a leak |
| Soggy patch in the yard | Irrigation or service line leak | Run the meter test with irrigation off, then on |
| Warm spot on the floor | Hot-water slab leak | See signs of a slab leak |
| Bill high only in summer | Irrigation schedule or broken heads | Walk the zones while they run |
Order of operations
Confirm the leak
Turn off all water and watch the meter's leak indicator.
Repair it
Fix it yourself or hire a plumber; keep every receipt.
Apply within 60 days
Send SAWS the repair documentation.
Wait for review
Up to 30 days.
When to call a plumber
Hidden leaks under slabs or in walls need leak detection, and a failed pressure reducing valve can raise use across the house; see water pressure problems.
You may also be dealing with
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomToilet keeps running
Common questions
Can SAWS credit my bill after a leak?
Possibly. SAWS may credit part of the excess water once a leak on your property is repaired, though it isn't legally required to.
How long do I have to ask SAWS for a leak adjustment?
60 days from the repair.
What proof does SAWS want for a leak adjustment?
A plumber's receipt, receipts for parts you installed, or a detailed description of the repair.
Does SAWS cover irrigation leaks in an adjustment?
Irrigation system leaks are among the types SAWS reviews.
How long does a SAWS adjustment review take?
Up to 30 days.
Is a running toilet enough to raise my San Antonio bill?
Yes; a constantly refilling toilet can waste a lot of water, and toilets are on SAWS's eligible leak list.
Do pool leaks count for a SAWS adjustment?
Pool supply lines, faulty refill mechanisms and cracked linings or walls are on the list.
How do I test for a leak with my SAWS meter?
Turn off all fixtures and irrigation and watch the leak indicator for movement.
Will SAWS adjust a bill if my pressure reducing valve failed?
Pressure reducing valves are on SAWS's list of leak types it reviews.
Do I need a licensed plumber for SAWS to accept a repair?
No; receipts for parts you installed or a detailed description of your repair can be accepted.
More plumbing help in San Antonio
- Water Line Repair in San AntonioSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
- Backflow Testing in San AntonioSAWS backflow testing rules for San Antonio: the June 30 annual deadline, the codes behind it, reminder notices, and what a 10-day notice means.
- Toilet Installation in San AntonioSAWS toilet rebates in San Antonio: the current high-efficiency toilet rebate, which toilets qualify, SAWS's history of free toilet programs, and installation tips.
- Sewer Line Repair in San AntonioSan Antonio sewer clogs: a licensed plumber clears your side, and if the blockage is past your property, SAWS may reimburse costs. Marking, the call and paperwork.
- Pipe Repair in San AntonioSAWS Plumbers to People: free repairs of leaking faucets, toilets and broken pipes for income-qualified homeowners, who qualifies, and what isn't covered.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in San AntonioFrozen pipes in San Antonio: pipes past the SAWS meter are the owner's, how to shut water off at the meter, SAWS freeze tips, and what not to do.
- Drain backing up in San AntonioWhy San Antonio drains back up: grease causes nearly 70% of local sewer blockages, the surprising sources of it, safe checks, and how to get rid of grease.
- 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 San AntonioLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls San Antonio homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- 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 bill in Miami: leaks and WASD adjustmentsA high Miami-Dade water bill: how WASD handles leak adjustments, why monthly accounts only get a sewer credit, the 60-day review, and how to find the leak.
- 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)
- SAWS, High Water Bill Caused By a Leak? SAWS Can Help · checked 2026-10-03