Reconnecting your own water service ?!?

Question

Hello, I have a pregnant wife and a 2 year old chiled, we went on vacation for 2 weeks and forgot to pay our water bill. I made the payment online last night, however the water will not be turned on until Tiesday due to the labor day holiday !! We may be facing a hurricane and with pregnant wife and 2 year old I HAVE TO HAVE WATER, what kind of trouble will I get int if I turn on my own water ? Please keep in mind, the amount due has been PAID IN FULL ALREADY...

Answer 1

If you need water turn it on. they will just bill you next month. I think the water Police will understand.  

Answer 2

USA   You might be facing a hurricane, and you are worried about not having water instead of evacuating your pregnant wife and 2 year old chiled (child?)  to safety?  You went on vacation without paying your bills?  You need to re-think your priorities.

As far as what kind of trouble you would get in, each utility has their own way of handling these situations.  They might be nice, and only charge you the cost of having to send a crew out to check the line and valve, and make sure it is in the proper position.

Utility property - such as shut off valves, are protected property, and you can be arrested for touching them at all.  Usually it is a federal offense.

If you do turn the water on, make sure you use the correct tool, so you do not damage the valve.  The valves can cost more than two hundred dollars plus the labor to replace.  And you will pay for the whole crew to show up.  And make sure when you call the utility and tell them you turned the water on that you are sorry, respectful, and you will always pay your bill on time, etc...   I hope you catch the drift here.

Answer 3

You should leave it alone. Should something happen and you break something not only would you be without water you would also be liable for all repair costs. This could cost you thousands.