High water bill in Al Shmysy, Riyadh: before buying or handover

Prepared by the technical team · editorial review · last updated 13 November 2026 · Sources

Before we start: what we know about Al Shmysy

The centre of Al Shmysy is at 24.6238, 46.7000, about 10.3 km from the centre of Riyadh, with an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The approximate area shown on the map is centred here. The centre of Al Shmysy sits about 587 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data).

The nearest wadi channel is about 1.4 km from the centre of Al Shmysy (OpenStreetMap). Main roads in or near Al Shmysy: King Fahd Road, Asir, Madinah Road.

A high water bill is one of the most common complaints on residential properties in Al Shmysy, Riyadh, and it often has more to do with hidden leaks, faulty float valves, or an overflowing storage tank than with how much water the household actually uses. Many owners only notice the problem when the monthly statement arrives higher than expected, by which point a slow leak may have been running for weeks. Before you buy or accept a handover, it is worth checking the whole supply chain from the street connection to the taps, rather than assuming the meter is wrong.

Al Shmysy sits at about 587 m above sea level, roughly 10.3 km from the centre of Riyadh, and its centre lies at 24.6238, 46.7000 with an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The nearest wadi channel is about 1.4 km from the centre, which means rainwater and seasonal runoff can reach the area quickly after storms. This matters for water bills because storage tanks and their covers can be exposed to dust, debris and fluctuating pressure, and an inspector should look closely at tank lids, inlet valves and overflow pipes. Where a tank needs restoration, the internal coating is typically priced at SAR 25–70 per m², so the cost of repairing a leaking tank should be weighed against the ongoing water loss it causes.

When you arrange the visit, ask the seller or handover team for the last six months of bills, the meter reading at the time of inspection, and any record of previous tank cleaning or repairs. Ask whether the property has a ground tank, a roof tank or both, and when each was last drained and inspected. Ask who is responsible for the internal and external pipework, and whether any leak repairs were carried out before the sale. Finally, request that the inspector record the meter reading at the start and end of the visit, with all taps and appliances switched off, so that any movement shows a leak rather than normal use.

Before buying or taking over a property, an inspection gives you findings in writing before you sign.

Signs that call for high water bill

The following signs are worth checking before they grow:

• A sudden jump in the bill without a clear reason
• The meter moves at night
• The tank fills more often than before

The most common causes

• A common cause: a float valve that does not close.
• A silent leak in the network — we check this before anything else.
• A leaking toilet cistern.

Tools we use in Al Shmysy

How the work is done, step by step

1. Two meter readings: Readings are taken with all use stopped, some time apart.
2. Cisterns and float valve: The usual silent causes are checked first.
3. Instrument survey: If the loss continues, the network is surveyed with instruments.
4. Report: You receive the readings in writing.

Quick comparison: facts and costs in Al Shmysy

Questions from Al Shmysy

Common mistakes we see

• Waiting for the next bill instead of testing the meter

What you get after the work

The written output: a report with the readings to support your follow-up on the bill. The report is numbered and can be checked with its verification code.