$200 Charge to Replace Frozen Water Meter?

[Dewain J.]

So apparently the water meter in a property I purchased was frozen and wasn't measuring usage. So the Philadelphia Water Dept came out and did what they had to do apparently replacing it. And they back billed me for the usage that should have been coming through I guess based on estimate. Nothing outrageous so fine whatever. 

But now I just got a bill for $200 for the replacement of the meter. I find that to be baffling. It's their equipment used to bill me. I don't get to take it with me when/if I sell the place. I don't why I'm expected to pay it. Anybody else ever have this problem. Did you pay it or dispute?

[Ethan Giller]

@Dewain J., for better or for worse, it is standard practice in Philadelphia that PWD charges the owner $195 for a water meter replacement.

If you want to avoid this issue next time, make sure to ask the title company prior to closing if the water bills are actual or if they are estimated. If they are estimated, then it's likely the meter needs to be replaced and that would generally be at the seller's expense (either prior to closing or else as a credit on the HUD), and the title company can also escrow funds in order to pay off any back billing (or you can wait 1-2 months to close until the meter is replaced and the next bill comes out using actual readings). Check your closing docs, the title company likely made you sign an affidavit stating that the water bill is estimated and they don't have any liability. If not, you can try to put in a title claim but this is an uphill battle and probably not worth your time and effort for that amount of money.