Tips & Tricks - SC4 Utilities (MAXIS)

Access

All developed lots in SimCity need some sort of network access. Unlike SimCity 3000, lots must be adjacent to a street or a road so that they can grow. You can tell if a lot doesn't have network access by the No Car zot above it.

Why Are Power Poles Sparking?

If you reduce the Power Department budget too much, your power poles will deteriorate over time and eventually end up sparking. Since the sparks can cause fires nearby, you should take care of this situation, either by increasing funding to at least 100% or by replacing the distressed power poles.

Why Are My Pipes Breaking?

If you reduce the Water Department budget too much, your pipes will deteriorate over time and eventually burst. Since these water spouts destroy nearby buildings and can spread throughout your pipe network, you should take care of this crisis, either by increasing funding to at least 100% or by replacing the distressed pipes.

Why Is My Power Plant Aging So Quickly?

Your power plant's rate of aging is based on 2 things: how much it's used and how much it's funded. If the power plant's "Capacity Used" is over 75%, it will age much more quickly. And if you lower the funding for a specific power plant below 100%, that will also cause it to age faster.

Why Are My Water Pumps Not Working?

The 2 main causes for a water pump to not work are (1) no power or (2) too much pollution. If you see something that looks like a lightning bolt in a circle, that's a power zot and it's telling you that building doesn't have any power. Drag a power line to the water pump, and it should start working. If your water pump doesn't have a power zot but still isn't working, then hover over the building with the Query tool. If the pop-up text says, "Shut down - polluted water," then you need to either place a new water pump away from the water pollution or lower the level of pollution.

Why Are My Landfills Not Being Used?

The most likely reason why garbage isn't filling up your landfill is because it can't get there. A landfill won't be used unless it's accessible by road. So make sure you have a road connection from your landfill to the rest of your town. Another possible reason your landfill isn't being used is if you reduce the Sanitation Department budget too much. So keep up the Garbage funding!