Frequently Asked Questions

The Utility Department uses a machine called an aquatech to jet the mains with high water pressure. This machine is also used to unblock any obstruction in the line that may cause a backup. 

To help prevent sewer main or lateral issues please do not dispose of household grease, diapers, wipes or anything other than toilet paper into toilets. 

If you are experiencing a sewer backup please call the utility superintendent at 260-414-9097 and a service crew will come and inspect the sanitary sewer main in your area. They will contact you and let you know if it is the city's problem or the home owners problem and advise you on the situation. 

Water is checked weekly at various sample sites throughout the city. Samples are sent to a lab for testing with results faxed back within a day. All results are posted in the Consumer Confidence Report that is published yearly. 

Almost every home or business has a main water shut off valve, usually located by a hot water heater or basement. If water needs shut off at the curb box please call the Water Office at 260-748-7050. 

Depending on the severity of the break a customer could be without water for a few hours up to a full day. 

If there is a water main break in your area there will be a temporary stoppage in your water service until the repair has been completed. 

Most water leaks occur from a running toilet. Once all toilets have been checked and you still believe there is a leak, please contact the water office at 260-748-7050 to set up a service appointment. 

A backflow preventer can prevent waste water backups into a home due to the municipal system becoming fully charged due to an event such as heavy rain, or a blockage in the sewer main. You may be in need of this device if you have had flooding issues in the past, live in a tri-Ievel or home with a basement, or an area prone to backups. Please call a local plumber for more information on installation and maintenance of backflow preventers.

Potential water main breaks should be reported to the Utility office at 260-748-7050. 

A number of things can cause low water pressure check faucet screens for blockage, make sure valves are completely in the on position. 

There are various reasons for strange smelling or cloudy which is not uncommon. If you run your water for a few minutes this will usually remedy the problem. 

To report a pothole please call the utility office at 260-748-7056 and a crew will be dispatched out to fix the issue. 

During a snow event the Utility Department will dispatch crews to plow additions when there is 3 inches of snow or more. When this is the case main roads will be plowed first, when clear crews will move into additions and side streets and alleys. Crews will try to rotate what additions and side streets get done first and last throughout the snow season to accommodate the public. 

Leaves should be raked in a long tight row along the edge of the street for pick-up. Please keep leaves away from mail boxes, utility poles or traffic signs as crews will not be able to pick leaves up around these obstacles. If needed they may be put out in the street just off your curb line. 

Leaf season runs from late October to the end of December. The season is broken down by 2 sections in the city with multiple pick-ups throughout the season. 

After a storm event the Utility Department will pick up branches and debris if it is placed at the curb of your property. Crews will not go into yards to pick up any debris. 

The city has free compost available at the Utility Maintenance Facility at the dead end of Summit Street. It can be loaded for you during business hours or hand loaded by yourself after hours. 

Sump pump inspections can be made by calling the Utility department at 260-748-7056. 

The New Haven utility process to start water service for a new customer requires gathering information to record on the Request for Service:

• Property Address
• Name of property owner
• Date of Birth
• Telephone number
• Purchase or Rental property
• Date of closing/date of possession

A deposit is collected after closing has occurred, usually within the first week of service. This deposit is refunded to the customer after 24 months of on time payments.

New Customers

New customers need to set up their trash service through the contracted provider. Currently, Republic Services holds the city contract for all residential trash and recycling. They can be reached at 800-876-9001. This service is not billed by the City of New Haven but directly by Republic Services to the customer.

The outgoing customer, or seller, is required to call to request a final read date so water service can be taken out of their name. This date usually coincides with the new customer's move in date. At this time a forwarding address is added to the account for mailing the final bill. If a deposit is still remaining on the seller's account, the deposit will be refunded after the final bill has been paid to a $0 balance.

Trash Providers

The seller will also need to call the trash provider to stop their trash service and billing, Republic Services, at 800-876-9001.

Water could be off for the following reasons:

• An account was never established
• Non-payment
• Water main break

No. Residents cannot "opt out" of this service in its entirety. In order to maintain a low rate, all residents must participate.

Yes! For those residents who have their water/well and/or sewer service temporarily suspended, and are current with their trash bill, you will have the opportunity to "temporarily suspend" trash service. This would include vacant properties and those residents who travel south for the winter.

Note: The definition of "service suspended" means that water will be shut off at the curb by the New Haven Utility Department.

The hours for trash collection will be from 6 am to 6 pm.

Recycling collection is a bi-weekly service and residents should contact Republic Services for the collection schedule.

In order to allow pick up service to run smoothly, Republic Services is asking all residents to set your trash totes and recycling totes out to the curb (with the front of the lid facing the curb for easy disposal) and keep each tote 3 feet away from obstructions, including other totes, mailboxes, fences, etc.

When you have more than one item, residents will need to purchase a $15 sticker (at New Haven City Hall) for each additional bulk item to be collected. This includes furniture and appliances. Please note a mattress and box spring counts as two separate items. The sticker for additional items needs to be pinned or taped to each bulk item. Residents must contact Republic Services to schedule any bulk item pick-ups at 800-876-9001.

No! Customers will receive a separate invoice from Republic Services.

For any questions regarding your invoice, please contact Republic Services directly at 1-800-876-9001.