Live in Japan


Telephone
Electricity
City Gas
Water
Postal Services
Immigration

Water



When you move in or out, remain water unused for a long period, or change name of tenant
Method for payment of water bills
Frequently asked questions




When you move in or out, remain water unused for a long period, or change name of tenant

Please notify to the Waterworks Bureau or a service station in your area with your seal impression, a recent receipt, or a notification of water expense a few days before moving or other operations above. When you move, please be sure to contact them, otherwise a water supply may not be available at your new home. When you stop using water around the middle of month because you move out, your water expense will be charged according to the volume consumed between the day following the last billing date and the day water supply is cancelled.
Back

Method for payment of water bills

Water meters are inspected every month to every 4 months, depending on local Waterworks Bureaus.

1.  Account transfer: Water bills are automatically paid to the Waterworks Bureau from your designated bank account on a stated day.
2.  You may pay at nearby financial institutions which accept direct deposit, by the due date for payment.

* Please use convenient account transfer for the payment of water bills.
Back

Frequently asked questions

  What happens when tap water becomes whitish?

Tap water becomes whitish when air inside water pipes forms numerous minute bubbles in the water. The bubbles will disappear after a while. It is no problems for use.


  What happens when the water smells of chlorine?

To provide safe drinking water, chlorine is used for sterilization. The smell is gone once the water is boiled.


  What happens when tap water becomes reddish brown when turning on faucets for the first time in the morning?

If water remains in water pipes and faucets for a long time, rust is mixed. Therefore, when you turn on the water for the first time in the morning or after a long time absence because of journey, let the water run for a while. The water will become clear. If tap water is reddish brown every day, water pipes should be replaced with new ones. In such a case, consult a designated plumber in your area.


  What happens when water drips after turning off the faucet?

Packing inside the faucet may be worn out. The dripping will stop if the packing is replaced with a new one. Repair is also possible at home. You can also contact a designated plumber in your area for repair (you may be charged for this service) or the Waterworks Bureau in your area. (See the illustrations for replacing the valve stems.)


You, too, can change the washer.

You can easily fix that leaking faucet. Before starting, have the following items ready: Washer, wrench (for water pipes or water turnoff use) and a pair of tweezers. You can get the washer from the Waterworks Bureau free of charge.


1. Turning off the water supply.
Turn off the water supply valve before starting. The water supply can be turned off by rotating the knob at the top to the right with the wrench. The water supply can be stopped by simply rotating the handle of the water supply valve inside of the meter box to the right.

2. Removing the "upper portion" (faucet handle assembly)
After loosening the washer cap with the wrench, open the handle fully and remove the faucet handle assembly.

3. Removing the old washer.
After removing the faucet handle assembly, use the tweezers or other tool to remove the old washer.

4.

Replacing the faucet handle assembly

Insert the new washer (usually the 10mm diameter type for home use) into the washer groove in the faucet handle assembly. Next, hold the faucet handle assembly at an angle and replace it while lighting pressing the washer in place with your fingertips so that it does not fall out. If it does not go in properly, it will slide into place if you twist the faucet handle assembly once or twice to the left and right.

5. Tightening with the wrench
After tightening the handle, close the washer cap with the wrench so that the handle does not move.

6.

Opening the water supply
Slowly open the water supply.This completes the task, which should resolve the leakage problem.



 


  What happens when water keeps running in the toilet bowl or running water inside a tank sounds continuously while not being used?

Close a shutoff valve near the tank and contact a designated plumber in your area for repair.


  What should be done if you are notified of water repair work?

Water repair work with water failure is notified by a loud speaker van and printed notice of the Waterworks Bureau. Keep some water for use in case the water supply is cut off or the water gets muddy. While the water supply is cut off or reduced, do not use water supply equipment such as water heaters.

  What should be done if you suspect a water leak?

If your water bill is abnormally expensive compared to previously charged amounts, close all faucets and check the (Star-shaped mark on) water meter. If the water meter rotates even though you are not using water, you have a water leak. After a water leak is confirmed, consult the Waterworks Bureau in your area or a designated plumber (repair shop).


  What should be done if the water flow is poor?

We are making every effort to prevent water leaking and improve water flow for those troubled by poor water flow or decrepit water pipes under the street. For details, please consult the Waterworks Bureau office in your area.


* For any other inquiries, please contact the Waterworks Bureau in your area.
(Reference: Osaka Municipal Waterworks Bureau, "A Guide to Water Service" and Osaka Municipal Waterworks Bureau, HP, "Water Service Handbook")

Back


 

Copyright 2003 NTT DIRECTORY SERVICES CO. All rights reserved.