The Process: Residential & Commercial Water Taps

New Construction

You can apply for a small water meter after your building or utility plans have been approved by Utility Review in Taps & Meters. 1” Meter is the minimum size for new residential and commercial developments.

Enlargement

If you are requesting a larger meter size than the meter you already have existing at your site, then you will apply for a small meter enlargement.

Example: I have a 5/8” meter and I would like to enlarge it to a 1” meter.

Meter Relocation

If you want to move your existing meter to a different location on your lot that is adjacent to the City of Houston right-of-way.

Meter Separation

If you are sharing a meter with another unit and would like to install your own meter.

Cut, Plug, and Abandon Meter

If you no longer require your meter or need to remove an existing meter from your site, apply for a cut, plug, and abandon permit. This permit is also used to close out any existing water accounts associated with your property.

Meter Changeout

Meter changeouts facilitate the replacement of a domestic meter with an Ultrasonic fire-rated meter.

 1. Submit small meter permit application, Commercial application and required documents by using the link below. (City Approved Contractor: Ricky Plumbing)

2. Pay for permit

3. Receive permit Work order

If you are applying for a water meter through The City Of Houston, please click the link below. If you are applying for taps outside of The City of Houston, please contact our office directly.

Small Meter Permit Application (On‐line only) 

Recorded Warranty Deed. (a deed of trust is not accepted) 

Lease Agreement if the account owner is the tenant and not the property owner IRS Tax form SS‐4 Letter, or 4168C or LTR 147C for accounts set up under a business. (a W9 is not accepted) WCR letter required for all new domestic meters and irrigation meters on vacant lots or neighborhood common areas 

Water Meter Account or meter number required if for a relocate, enlarge, change out, or cut plug & abandon. 

ILMS City Building project number is required for new developments or new tenants

ILMS City Plumbing permit project number will be required for new meter request for site locations outside of city limits and some existing developments located inside corporate city limits. 

Water Meter Easement required if the water meter is not located within a city public right‐of‐way. Attach easement documents to the on‐line meter application. An application will not be approved without easement documents. 

TXDOT UIR permit required if tap connection is located within a TxDOT Right‐of‐Way. Attach UIR permit to the on‐line meter application. An application will not be approved without TxDOT UIR. City, District, County or State municipality applicants must provide an official notarized letter identifying who has permission to apply for the permit on your behalf and who will be responsible for the permit and bill and account. 

Make sure you have provided all documents as listed below. Missing documents or incomplete applications will delay the permit process. All outstanding fees must be paid on any existing water accounts and the account should be in the current and in owner name before Customer Account Services will send an invoice or release the permit work order. If there are any account issues found, they will need to be resolved before receiving a meter permit work order.

Once you pay your invoice from the City, Ricky Plumbing will receive a permit work order from Customer Account Services within 10-15 business days.

In event that your application is rejected, you will receive an email from Taps & Meters indicating why your application was not approved and what items to provide. You will then be encouraged to submit a new application with the correct documents and information.

If you have application-related questions you may contact The Taps and Meters Department at  (832) 394-8888.

 Sewer taps are the connection point between your home's main sewer line and a municipal water system.

Only the Master Plumber at Ricky Plumbing or persons authorized by Ricky Plumbing may apply for sewer permits. 

1. A copy of Wastewater Capacity Reservation (WCR) Letter of availability (Must be current letter in the current owner’s name) 

2.  Property tax ID number

3. Warranty Deed (must match WCR letter) 

For commercial, please contact our office for further information.