FAQ

To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all. Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.

Can I get my bill adjusted if I had a leak?

SIUC purchases the water you receive from Charleston Water System.  Therefore, leak adjustments are offered to and benefit extreme cases only.  You may request a leak adjustment once per year and your account must be current. With an adjustment, the average monthly usage is calculated and you pay the average plus the tangible cost of the difference during the monthly cycle of the leak.  Proof of repair is required.  For additional information and questions, contact the billing office.

Why did I get a bill when I didn’t use any water?

Each month you are billed base fees for water and/or sewer as part of the rate structure.  These charges apply regardless of whether you use any water in the billing period.

Why is my bill higher than usual?

The most common reasons for a high bill are changes in water use and leaks.

Did you do anything that would use more water than usual, such as outdoor watering or having house guests? Check for leaks. Typical culprits are running toilets, leaking outdoor spigots, and damaged sprinkler heads.

You can use your water meter to help determine if you have a leak. The little red triangle on the meter dial is a flow indicator. Turn off all water-using fixtures and appliances inside and outside your home, then check the triangle. If it’s spinning, even slightly, that means water is going through the meter, and you probably have a leak. Keep searching or contact a plumber for help.

Why is there blue and green paint and flags (other colors too) on my property and in the road?

South Carolina requires all excavators to have all utilities located prior to the start of work. Each utility uses a different color of paint to designate any of their lines that may be in the area of the proposed work. This paint is temporary and will eventually wash away.      

 

                        -blue – water

                        -green - sewer

                        -red – electric

                        -yellow – gas

                        -orange – communication lines

                        -white – proposed excavation area

Who do I call to repair broken water pipes on my side of the water meter and/or a broken sanitary sewer pipes?

Those pipes (running from the water meter and sewer cleanout at the street) are part of your private plumbing system. Customers are responsible those pipes to the water meter or sewer lines connected to SIUC 6 inch sewer connection and any repairs or replacements of those pipes if damaged.