Selling your Lockport home? One small missed step can delay closing and create surprise charges: your final water meter reading. You want a clean handoff with no last-minute bills or service issues. This guide shows you exactly how to schedule your final read, what to provide, and how to avoid common pitfalls specific to the City of Lockport. Let’s dive in.
Why the final water read matters
A final water read ensures your usage is billed correctly and your account closes cleanly with the City of Lockport Water Department. It also helps prevent unpaid balances that could complicate closing. You schedule the read directly with Water Billing, then receive a final bill based on that reading. Review the City’s Water Billing page for official procedures and contacts.
Your Lockport final water read checklist
Call Water Billing early
Call the City of Lockport Water Department at 815-838-0549, option 3 as soon as your closing date is set. Ask for a “final” water reading and provide your service address, the read date, your final bill mailing address, and the purchaser’s name if available. Aim to call 3 to 7 business days before closing for smooth scheduling. See the City’s instructions on the Water Billing page.
Confirm where the final bill goes
Tell the City where to mail your final bill, such as your forwarding address or your attorney/escrow if they will handle payment. If you have a deposit on file, confirm if it will be applied to your final bill.
Leave water on through closing
Keep service on through the closing date so the City can capture the official reading and the buyer can run water if needed. If the property will be vacant for more than 30 days, consider the City’s temporary hold option, which shuts water at the street and carries a $50 turn-on fee when service resumes. Learn more on the Water Billing page.
Document the meter on move day
On closing or move day, take time-stamped photos of the meter reading and the meter serial number. This quick step gives you backup if a billing question arises.
Review rates if timing changes
If your final read period overlaps a rate change, your final bill may reflect the new rate. Check the City’s Water & Sewer Rate page and confirm which rate applies to your final read period.
Pay and keep your receipt
After the City completes the read, your final bill is prepared. Confirm delivery timing and payment method with Water Billing. The City lists payment options, including online bill pay, mail, drop box, select banks, and in person. Save proof of payment for your closing file.
Contacts and office info
- City of Lockport Water Billing: 815-838-0549, option 3
- Office: 222 E 9th Street, Lockport, IL
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For official procedures, forms, and contact details, visit the City’s Water Billing page.
Related utility handoffs
Handle your other utilities in parallel so there is no service gap and no extra days billed to you.
- Electricity: Use ComEd’s Start/Stop/Move channels or call 1-800-334-7661. See general contact guidance on ComEd Start/Stop/Move resources.
- Natural gas: Nicor Gas supports Start/Stop/Transfer online or by phone at 888-642-6748. Review Nicor Gas’s Start/Stop/Transfer page to plan your timeline.
- Trash and recycling: Lockport contracts with Waste Management for curbside service. For program details and disposal questions, check the City’s Garbage & Recycling page or call Water Billing at 815-838-0549, option 3.
- Deposits and refunds: Many utilities apply deposits to the final bill and then mail any remaining credit. Confirm this with each provider and verify your mailing address with the City’s Water Billing team.
Avoid these common pitfalls
Forgetting to schedule the final read
If you do not schedule a final read, billing can default to the regular cycle, which creates confusion over who owes what. Call Water Billing and obtain confirmation of your scheduled final read.
Unclear closing-day usage
The official read determines who pays for usage on the final day. Make sure the read date aligns with your closing date and keep meter photos for backup.
Vacancy decisions: shut off or leave on
If the buyer needs water on day one, request a final read without a shutoff. If the home will sit vacant 30 or more days, consider the City’s hold option. Note the $50 turn-on fee and that someone must be present when service is restored.
Unpaid balances and liens
Unpaid municipal utility balances can complicate closing. Verify your balance with Water Billing and keep proof of payment. If needed, use the City’s staff directory to reach the appropriate clerk before closing.
Crossing a rate change
When a rate change occurs during your read period, it may affect your final bill. Review the City’s rate schedule and ask Water Billing which rate applies to your final read.
What to save for your records
- Confirmation of your scheduled final meter read from the City
- Time-stamped photos of the meter reading and meter serial
- Final bill receipt or closing/escrow proof of payment
- Any hold application or shutoff/turn-on paperwork if you used the hold option
Ready to sell with fewer surprises? If you want experienced guidance through every step, including coordinating utility timelines, connect with our local team. Reach out to Christine Wilczek and Jason Bacza for a smooth Lockport closing.
FAQs
How do I schedule a final water read in Lockport?
- Call the City of Lockport Water Department at 815-838-0549, option 3 and request a “final” reading for your closing date.
What information should I have when I call Water Billing?
- Provide your service address, read date, forwarding address for the final bill, and the purchaser’s name if available.
Can the City shut off water if my home will be vacant?
- Yes; use the City’s temporary hold option for vacancies 30 days or longer, which includes a $50 turn-on fee when service resumes.
Where can I pay my final water bill?
- You can pay online, by mail, via drop box, at select banks, or in person; see the City’s online bill pay page for options.
Who pays for water used on closing day in Lockport?
- The official final meter reading determines usage billed to you, so align the read date with your closing date and keep meter photos.
What if a water rate change happens near my closing date?
- Check the City’s rate schedule and confirm with Water Billing which rate applies to your final read period.
Who do I contact if I need help before closing?
- Start with Water Billing; if you need a specific clerk, use the City’s staff directory to find the correct contact.
