Frequently Asked Questions

Leaking faucets, pipes and wasted water can cost a resident a lot of money, not to mention the waste of one our most precious resources. One way to prevent waste of water is to do a check of your faucets and piping in your residence once a year. Make sure that faucets don't drip, all joints on your pipes are secure and that there are no apparent leaks. A pinhole leak could waste up to 170 gallons of water in one day. On most water meters there is a small triangle that indicates when even the smallest amount of water is passing through. If you know you are not running water at that time and the triangle is turning then there is a leak somewhere.

Most leaks happen in the toilet, some small enough that you don't even hear them. To check if your toilet is leaking from the tank to the bowl food coloring could be added to the tank. If the water in the bowl turns colors without flushing then there is a leak. Another common waste of water is a water softener regenerating more than it should. Have your softener checked periodically to make sure that it is running the way it should. These two examples are the most common when a resident has an abnormally high water bill.

Typically this time of year we all dread the cold and bitter weather we experience here in Michigan. It can be especially rough when this cold affects your water supply. Broken or frozen pipes can cost a significant amount to homeowners not to mention the damage they can create. Here are some tips for making sure you are protected:

1. Do not expose water pipes to subfreezing temperatures: Fill cracks and holes in outside walls next to water pipes, insulate pipe with insulating wrap found at hardware stores or plumbing supply stores or use heat tape wrapped around the pipe to keep it warm.
2. Let the faucet run: Letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent a pipe from bursting. It's not that a small flow of water prevents freezing; this helps, but water can freeze even with a slow flow. The running water will allow relief from building pressure in the pipes so they do not burst.

If you suspect a frozen pipe: If you open a faucet and no water comes out, don't take any chances. Call a plumber. If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve (usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house); leave the faucet(s) open until repairs are completed. Don't try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame; as this will damage the pipe and may even start a building fire. You might be able to thaw a pipe with a hand-held hair dryer. Slowly apply heat, starting close to the faucet end of the pipe, with the faucet open. Work toward the coldest section. Don't use electrical appliances while standing in water; you could get electrocuted.

The Standard Rules and Regulations (PDF) state that the water connection fee is based on a unit factor system wherein each single-family residence shall be one unit. Other uses will be calculated by city staff. The water connection fee shall be $600 per unit for City residents and $900 per unit for premises outside the corporate limits of the City of Marshall.

Water meters measure the amount of water consumed and are typically located in basements, utility rooms, or in a pit beneath mobile homes.

Please remember: The Water Department owns and maintains the water meters, but it is the customer’s responsibility to prevent damage, freezing, or discarding of equipment. Replacement charges apply for damaged or missing meters.

 Additionally, the valves on each side of the meter are the property of the customer. These valves can be used to shut off water inside the home if a repair is needed or a leak occurs.

 If interior valves fail, the City’s curb stop valve located outside the home may be turned off by Water Department staff to assist with shutting off water.

Water Meter Read Transmitters: 

 Read transmitters are typically located on the outside of a home, though occasionally they may be mounted in a basement. These devices communicate your water usage automatically—no need to physically read the meter. They are connected to the meter with a wire.

 The most common reason for replacement is when a customer or their contractor mistakenly removes and discards the transmitter, thinking it’s an abandoned phone box. There is a charge to replace damaged or missing transmitters.