You will find the answers below to the most frequently asked questions about your Edmonton water service.
Water Bill
My bill is too high lately.
A leaking toilet can waste more than 400 litres of water each day, and may not be obvious. To check for leaks, put a few drops of dark food colouring into your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl after 15-20 minutes you have a leak. The most likely cause is a worn or ill fitting flapper valve. These are easy for most homeowners to replace. Your local hardware store can assist you by recommending the best method of replacement or repair.
Sometimes the toilet tank is too full and water is flowing out through the overflow tube. The water level should be at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the overflow tube. You may need to adjust your float to lower the water level.
My water meter must be broken because my bills are too high.
Your meter passed numerous tests prior to installation and is inspected at prescribed intervals according to Measurement Canada legislation. If you have questions about your meter please call us at 780-412-6868.
EPCOR vs. Homeowner Responsibilities
My hot water tank isn't working properly.
In the Edmonton region, hot water tanks are purchased by homeowners and it's their responsibility to maintain them. You should call a plumber is your hot water tank is not working properly. If your water tank is leaking, turn off the water flow by adjusting the valve on the water line leading into the water tank.
It is a good idea to drain your hot water tank once or twice a year. This will minimize buildup of sediment and prolong the life of your tank. The increased hardness in our water will produce a little more sediment in the tank and you may want to drain it one extra time per year.
I have a water leak somewhere on my property.
The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of most water fixtures on his/her property, including the pipe connected to the water meter, toilet, hose bib, stop & waste valve, water line, and hot water tank.
EPCOR is responsible for the pipes leading up to the property line, the control cock valve near the sidewalk, and the water meter itself.
There is a problem with the control cock (cc) valve in my lawn.
Frost may cause cc valves to raise in the spring. EPCOR will lower or raise the cc valve free of charge at the home owner's request.
A main break or hydrant leak has caused damage to my property or home.
EPCOR crews will repair most property damage caused by faulty mains or hydrants. However, some types of damage may require a claim to be put through the home owner's insurance company to EPCOR's claims adjuster.
The sewer backed up into my basement.
Call the City of Edmonton's Drainage department at 780-496-1717 and they will assist you.
My lawn/sidewalk/driveway is slumping over top of an EPCOR water line.
EPCOR will send a serviceman to investigate whether the soil slumping is caused by a water system deficiency. If this is the cause, EPCOR will repair it. If there is some other cause, the call will be referred to the City of Edmonton Roadways department for follow up.
The fire hydrant on our condo property isn't working properly.
Fire hydrants on private property as the responsibility of the condo owners. They should be checked annually to ensure they are working properly. You can hire EPCOR to test and repair your hydrants. Call 780-412-6800.
Water Lines
I need the water line turned on/off to my property or home.
You can shut off the water supply within your home by using the stop/waste valve located on the line leading to your water meter. It will have a turning valve or a switch valve to open/close water flow to the meter.
If you want water shut off to your property, an EPCOR serviceman will need to come out. Call Water Dispatch at 780-412-6800.
I need the water line marked/staked on my property.
Phone Alberta First Call at 1-800-242-3447.
My pipes are frozen.
Never attempt to thaw your line with an open flame! Sometimes a hair dryer can be used to warm a narrow pipe. However, if you are unable to thaw your water lines, contact a plumbing or heating company.
To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap any water lines near outer walls or doors with insulation. If your hot water tank is located in a maintenance room outside of your home, make sure the area is adequately heated.
My pipes are noisy.
A slow water leak in your toilet or taps can cause noisy pipes. Check the fill valve and float in your toilet tank. The float may need to be adjusted, or your flapper valve may not be closing properly and needs to be replaced. Any hardware store will carry replacement parts for your toilet.
Slow or low flow water draw sources, such as humidifiers and ice makes, may also cause noisy pipes. Review your owner's manual to see if the valves should be adjusted, or contact a plumber.
For further information about noisy pipes, call EPCOR's Water Customer Service Inspections Department at 780-412-6868.
Other Tap Water Sources
How do I get a fire hydrant permit?
To operate a fire hydrant, a permit is required. There is a monthly charge a month for a meter and equipment to operate the hydrant, supplied by EPCOR, plus the cost of water used. To apply for a permit call 780-412-6868 or visit EPCOR's office at 13410 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton.
How can I access water at a Truckfill station in Edmonton.
This is a prepaid system. You need a pin number and an account number to operate the stations. There is a fixed charge for the initial application, plus a charge for the volume of water used.
Applications for an account can be filled in at the EPCOR office at 13410 St. Albert Trail, completed over the phone by calling 780-412-6868, or can be faxed to 780-969-7083. Payments can be made at the office with cash, cheque, debit, Visa or Master Card. Faxed in applications can be paid with Visa or Master Card.
Once you have a pin number and account number, you can access 6 Truckfill Stations in Edmonton which are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. See addresses below:
- Londonderry Reservoir - 7400-144 Ave
- Evergreen - 501-167 Ave
- Davies Yard - 8729-58 Ave
- Poundmaker - 18-10708-184 St.
- West Edmonton - 13240-142 St.
- Kaskitayo Reservoir - 1851-111 St.
I am on a hose hook up from the fire hydrant or my neighbour's tap. Who pays for what?
If the water is off because of a system failure, EPCOR will provide and pay for the water supply. If the water is off due to water trouble on your property, then you will be responsible for charges associated with hooking up and using a temporary water supply.