FAQs
Answers That Keep Things Simple.
Billing & Payment
How is my water meter read?
Universal Utilities uses a variety of reading methods depending on the type of water submeter that you have. Most communities utilize AMR (automated meter reading) technology, These types of systems automatically communicates your water usage data to our office. Some communities still have older direct-read water submeters. These submeters must be read directly. The readings are reported to us and we calculate your residence’s water usage based on the difference between the current reading and the previous reading.
What payment options are available?
Universal Utilities accepts the following forms of payment:
- Personal Checks
- Cashier’s Checks
- Electronic Checks
- Money Orders
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express Credit Cards
- Debit Cards
- Autopay (Funds are automatically drafted from your checking or savings account)
Why are the sewer charges on my water bill higher than the water charges?
Sewer charges are calculated in a number of different ways depending on the utility provider and local ordinances. In most cases sewer charges are calculated with a based base rate and then a percentage of your water usage is added to the base rate. Other environmental fees might also be added, again based on local ordinances. If you used very little water in a given month, it is possible that your sewer charges could be more than your water charges.
What is the administration fee on my water bill for?
Unlike many utility companies who charge a large deposit to set up a new account, we charge a nominal, one-time “Administration Fee” to set up a new account.
Why is my water bill higher than normal?
A higher than normal water bill is no fun at all. This can be caused by a visitor staying with you for a few days or an increase in washing machine or dishwasher loads. But most of the time it is due to a dripping faucet, inside or outside, or a leaking toilet tank. Believe it or not, a faucet that drips one drop every minute will waste about 1 gallon of water a day or 30 gallons per billing cycle. Check all of your faucets and toilets for leaks regularly to avoid this unpleasant surprise.
Why Am I being Charged A Refuse Charge and What Is This For?
If there a a refuse charge on your utility bill, this is a trash collection fee. Some of the communities we provide billing services for also ask us to bill for trash collection because they do not build this cost into their rental or lease rates.
How are my sewer charges calculated?
Sewer charges are calculated based on a percentage of the residence’s water usage. Often, the utility provider charges a base rate for service availability and a usage rate, and then your usage is added, again based on a percentage of how much water you used.
I was Out Of Town All Last Month. Why Is My Water Bill Almost The Same Amount?
This can happen when a community does not have water submeters and therefore cannot track and bill residents based on actual usage. These communities often use a billing method called Ratio Utility Billing, (RUBS) the next fairest way to spread the community’s utility costs among its residences. RUBS formulas are typically based on factors such as the number of persons living in the residence, number of bathrooms, etc. Each residence pays their fair share of the community’s total water costs regardless of their actual usage.
I have more questions about my bill. Who can I call?
Universal Utilities resident billing customer care is available Monday through Thursday, 7:15am – 5:00pm EST.and can be reached toll-free at 810-233-3113. You can also reach customer service via email at customerservice@universalutilities.com.
Installation Process
What information is needed prior to scheduling an installation?
-Is this a new meter installation or a replacement of an existing meter?
-The meter installation location (closets, pits, under homes, in drop ceilings, etc.)
-Plumbing details (pipe size, material, presence of working shutoff valves, etc.)
What communication will the tenants receive prior to installation?
Universal Utilities will send a letter to each tenant roughly 30 days in advance of the scheduled installation. The letter will introduce the tenants to Universal Utilities and provide detailed information regarding billing cycles and due dates, payment options, online portal access instructions, etc.
how long does it take to install each meter?
The time it takes to install a meter is dependent on a handful of variables, e.g. clearances, presence of working shutoff valves, supply line condition, availability of uninterrupted pipe length for meter installation, etc. Installation time can vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on conditions and scope of the work.
Common Customer Questions
Who is Universal Utilities?
Universal Utilities, LLC is a third-party billing company. We provide billing services for multifamily/apartment communities, condominium communities, mobile home parks and commercial properties who customize our billing services to bill their residents and tenants for utilities and other monthly charges and fees based on their billing policies and guidelines. We also provide utility submetering system installation, submetering equipment, meter reading, billing customer service, and accounting services.
How do I test my toilet for leaks?
Testing your toilet for leaks is easy. When you flush your toilet, water flows from the tank down into the toilet bowl. The toilet flap in the bottom of the tank is raised by the flush handle and the toilet flushes. To see if water is leaking through the toilet flap between flushes, add food coloring to the water in the tank. Then check the water in the toilet bowl every 15 minutes for the next hour or two to see if any of the food colored water has leaked into the toilet bowl. If the water in the bowl does not show any color after a couple of hours, you do not have a leaking toilet.
Do I need to notify Universal Utilities when I move in or move out?
No. You do not need to set up or cancel your service with Universal Utilities. Your property manager will take care of that.
Can I read my own water submeter?
Yes, any time you'd like. Simply locate your water submeter. If you live in a multifamily community, your meter is most likely located near your water heater inside of your unit. If you live in a condo community and cannot find a water submeter in your residence, look for a concrete container in your front yard. There will be a dial that displays your current meter reading.
I have more questions about my bill. Who can I call?
Universal Utilities resident billing customer care is available Monday through Thursday, 7:15am – 5:00pm EST.and can be reached toll-free at 810-233-3113. You can also reach customer service via email at customerservice@universalutilities.com.
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