Water Meter Replacement Requests - Dallas, Texas

Utilities and Infrastructure Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

Overview

Dallas, Texas residents and property managers must follow City procedures to request replacement of a water meter owned or serviced by Dallas Water Utilities. This article explains who handles replacements, typical causes, what to expect for inspections and service calls, and the procedural steps to request a replacement or report an unsafe or malfunctioning meter.

Contact Dallas Water Utilities early to avoid service interruptions.

Who is responsible

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) is the utility division responsible for public potable water meters on properties served by the City of Dallas municipal water system. Private or submetering inside a building may be the property owner or landlord's responsibility; confirm ownership before requesting city action. Current departmental contact pages and service terms are maintained by the City of Dallas and Dallas Water Utilities (current as of February 2026).

The city inspects and replaces meters it owns; private meters are handled by owners or licensed plumbers.

When to request a replacement

  • Visible damage or leaks at the meter box that risk water loss or property damage.
  • Meter consistently records unusual consumption compared to historical use.
  • Meter has failed testing or inspection by DWU staff.
  • Safety hazards such as exposed wiring on electronic meters or unsafe box lids.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of meter tampering, bypass, or unauthorized alteration is administered by the City of Dallas and can involve municipal code violations, service termination, and civil penalties. Specific fine amounts, escalation schedules, and statutory sections are not specified on a single consolidated city page; contact Dallas Code Compliance or Dallas Water Utilities for the controlling ordinance or administrative rule (current as of February 2026).

  • Monetary fines for tampering or unauthorized meter removal: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees for service restoration or meter replacement charged to the property owner: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary actions include orders to repair, service disconnects, civil court actions, and replacement at owner expense where meter is determined to be intentionally altered.
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Dallas Water Utilities and City Code Compliance investigate complaints and perform inspections.

Applications & Forms

DWU typically processes replacement requests via a service request or customer service portal; a named city form for residential meter replacement is not specified on a single public page. Property owners should expect to provide account information, service address, and a description of the defect. For permit requirements where work affects plumbing or involves excavation, a Building Inspection or Development Services permit may be required (check with the City of Dallas Development Services). Current form names, numbers, and fees are not specified on one consolidated page (current as of February 2026).

If work is inside private plumbing, hire a licensed plumber and secure any required permits.

How to request a replacement

  1. Confirm meter ownership: check your utility bill or contact Dallas Water Utilities to verify the meter is city-owned.
  2. Gather account number, service address, and photos of the meter or damage where safe to do so.
  3. Submit a service request to Dallas Water Utilities by phone or the city's customer portal describing the issue and attaching photos if possible.
  4. Arrange inspection: DWU will schedule an inspection to confirm the fault and determine if replacement is needed.
  5. Permit and repair: if the replacement requires excavation or private plumbing work, obtain required permits and have licensed contractors perform work.
  6. Pay applicable fees or charges if the meter is found to be owner-responsible or tampered with; follow DWU invoicing instructions.

FAQ

Who pays for a water meter replacement?
Generally the City pays for replacement of meters it owns when failure is due to normal wear; if tampering or owner alteration is discovered, the property owner may be charged.
How long does a replacement take?
Scheduling and completion times vary by workload and safety considerations; specific service timelines are not specified on a single public page.
Can I replace a city meter myself?
No; do not attempt to remove or alter a city-owned meter—report issues to Dallas Water Utilities.
What if my meter shows unusually high usage?
Request an inspection and possible accuracy test from Dallas Water Utilities; document readings and dates while you wait.

How-To

  1. Identify if the meter is city-owned by checking the utility bill or contacting DWU.
  2. Document the problem with photos and recent meter readings.
  3. Contact Dallas Water Utilities to open a service request and provide account details.
  4. Attend any scheduled inspection or provide access for DWU staff or their contractors.
  5. Follow instructions on permits and hire licensed contractors for private plumbing work if required.
  6. Pay any assessed fees and confirm the meter replacement and final readings on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Dallas Water Utilities first to verify ownership and open a service request.
  • Do not attempt to remove or tamper with meters; unauthorized alteration may lead to charges or penalties.
  • Obtain permits and licensed contractors for private plumbing or excavation affecting the meter.

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