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Meters Questions and Answers . . .
- Why would anyone want to lease a fire hydrant meter?
- Where can I lease a fire hydrant meter?
- What do I need when I lease a fire hydrant meter?
- What is the cost of leasing a fire hydrant meter?
- Where do I return my fire hydrant meter?
- How do I get to one of the leasing facilities?
- Approximately how much water will it take to fill my pool?
- What is the difference between a sub-meter and a fire hydrant meter?
- How much does it cost to get a sub-meter installed?
- How do I get a sub-meter installed at my property?
- What is a remote reading device?
- How can I get a remote reading device installed on my inside water meter?
- How much does it cost to get a remote reading device installed at my property?
- Does it cost me anything to have my meter repaired / replaced?
- How long will the meter change take?
- What are the dimensions of currently available water meters?
- How often does my meter get read?
- How can I tell if I have plumbing leaks?
1. Why would anyone want to lease a fire hydrant meter?
WSSC leases hydrant meters on a temporary basis to individuals and businesses. Using
a fire hydrant allows water to be drawn from the public water system when the water does not return
to the public sewer system. There are no sewer charges associated with the water that registers on fire hydrant
meters. Some examples of use are: filling swimming pools, washing streets or filling tanker trucks.
WSSC FIRE HYDRANT METERS MAY NOT BE USED FOR POTABLE WATER.
WSSC fire hydrant meters can be used in most of
Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties (Maryland). However, parts of Bowie, Rockville, and all of Poolesville have their own
water system and WSSC meters cannot be used on their fire hydrants. Also, on-site fire hydrants (usually solid
red or yellow in color) are not the property of WSSC and WSSC hydrant meters
may not be used on these hydrants. The easiest way to identify a WSSC hydrant
is by its color; all of WSSC fire
hydrants are painted with a green top and a white or light gray body with
the exception of similarly colored and marked fire hydrants located in Bowie,
Maryland. These hydrants are the
property and responsibility of the local Bowie government.
Fire hydrants can be leased from 2 weeks up to a maximum of 6 months.
2. Where can I lease a fire hydrant meter?
The fire hydrant meter can be picked up from all locations if you meet the criteria for a "deposit exemption."
Only WSSC-owned fire hydrants - gray and green or white and green in
color - can be used. If you are planning to provide us with the required
deposit, then citizens can pick up a ¾" meter, which adapts to a
standard garden hose, at the following locations
(please call in advance):
Customer Care Central
(Bladensburg Facility)
Meter Shop
4102 Lloyd Street
Hyattsville, MD
(301) 206-4264
7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Customer Care South
(Temple Hills Facility)
8444 Temple Hills Road
Temple Hills, MD
(301) 206-7318
8:30 to 11 a.m. and
1 to 2 p.m.
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Customer Care North
(Gaithersburg Facility)
111 West Diamond Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 206-7366
8:30 to 11 a.m. and
1 to 2 p.m.
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Customer Care West
(Silver Spring Facility)
2501 Lyttonsville Road
Silver Spring, MD
(301) 206-7342
8:30 to 11 a.m. and
1 to 2 p.m.
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3. What do I need when I lease a fire hydrant meter?
Generally, leasing a fire hydrant meter requires a security deposit. The security deposit must be in the form of
a certified check, cashiers check, treasurer’s check or money order. However, if you have a current water / sewer
account with the WSSC that is in “good standing” (3 years of on time payments
and no returned checks), no deposit is required. Also, a customer “in good standing” may waive the deposit and
have the charges applied to their water / sewer account by picking-up the meter from any of our four locations.
When you plan to leave a security deposit, you can pick-up the meter from our Customer Care Central, Customer Care South, Customer Care West, or Customer Care North
locations.
For current leasing fees, click here.
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Fire Hydrant Meter Information
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| Size |
¾” |
3" |
| Flow Range |
Approximately 25 gallons per min. or 1,500 gallons per hour |
Approximately 250 gallons per min. or 15,000 per hour |
| Hose Type |
Standard Garden Hose |
2 ½” Fire Hose |
| Leasing Requirements
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| DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS |
For all users, the “Statement of
Intended Use” form must be completed before the meter is released. This
form is available at all Fire Hydrant Leasing locations. The following information is required to
complete the form:
- Name of the individual or business using the meter.
- Street address of the individual / business using the meter
(No P.O. Boxes).
- Federal Tax ID number (businesses) or Social Security number.
- Telephone number of the individual / business using the meter.
- The intended use of the meter (i.e. filling pool, washing
streets).
- If chemicals are used in conjunction with
the meter, we need the specific name of the chemical(s) used.
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| ID REQUIREMENTS |
The person signing the permit(s) must have a
valid Driver’s License (Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC) for
identification purposes. NO OTHER OUT-OF-STATE LICENSES WILL BE
ACCEPTED.
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4. What is the cost of leasing a fire hydrant meter?
FEES AND CHARGES
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NOTE: All fees and charges will be deducted from your deposit. If the fees and charges exceed your
deposit, you will be mailed an invoice for the balance. If the fees and charges are less than your
deposit, you will be mailed a refund in 4-6 weeks after the meter is returned.
If no deposit was required,
charges will be billed to your WSSC water/sewer account.
For current leasing fees, click here.
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5. Where do I return my fire hydrant meter?
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Location
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Address
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Hours
(Mon-Fri. Exc. Holidays)
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Phone Number
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Customer Care Central
(Bladensburg Facility
Meter Maintenance Bldg.)
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4102 Lloyd St.
Hyattsville, Md. 20782
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7:00 a.m. –
3:30 p.m.
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(301) 206 - 4264
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Customer Care South
(Temple Hills Facility Warehouse)
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8444 Temple Hills Rd.
Temple Hills, Md. 20748
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8:30 a.m. –
11:00a.m.
&
1:00 p.m. -
2:00 p.m.
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(301) 206 - 7318
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Customer Care West
(Silver Spring Facility Warehouse)
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2501 Lyttonsville Rd.
Silver Spring, Md. 20910
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8:30 a.m. –
11:00a.m.
&
1:00 p.m. -
2:00 p.m.
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(301) 206 - 7342
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Customer Care North
(Gaithersburg Facility Warehouse)
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111 West Diamond Ave.
Gaithersburg Md. 20879
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8:30 a.m. –
11:00a.m.
&
1:00 p.m. -
2:00 p.m.
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(301) 206 - 7366
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6. How do I get to one of the leasing facilities?
7. Approximately how much water will it take to fill my pool?
This depends upon the size of your pool. Your pool specifications should give you
this information.
8. What is the difference between a sub-meter and a fire hydrant meter?
A sub-meter is a permanently installed meter that separately
records the amount of water used outside your home that does not return to the
public sewer system for processing. A sub-meter is recommended for anyone
using large amounts of water for maintaining a pool, landscaping or gardening.
A Fire Hydrant Meter is a temporary
use meter offered for individuals and businesses to allow water usage from the
WSSD system. Fire Hydrant Meters are
recommended for customers who require water at sites where no permanent metered
connection is available to draw water (such as construction sites). Some other examples of use are washing streets
or filling tanker trucks.
Tanker trucks have fire hydrant meters attached to the truck and are periodically
billed for the water based on the quantity of water that registers on the
hydrant meter.
9. How much does it cost to get a sub-meter installed?
There are two costs associated with the installation of a sub-meter. The first cost is WSSC’s fee as shown
below:
For current sub-meter fees, click here.
The other cost involved will be the fee charged by a WSSC registered plumber hired by the
customer to make the required modifications to the existing pipe-work to
accommodate the meter. This fee cannot
be estimated by WSSC due to the differences in the configuration of the water
supply pipe-work in each property, and the unique installation requirements of
each homeowner. However, WSSC does
recommend that each property owner contact several registered plumbers for an
estimate prior to committing to the services of a company. WSSC does not provide our customers with
recommendations for registered plumbers.
Sometimes there are System Development
Charges(SDC) when sub-meters are installed. Please call Permit Services at (301) 206-4003
to discuss this possibility.
A registered plumber is someone who has been certified by WSSC's Regulatory Services Group. You can determine whether a plumber is
registered or certified by noting the WSSC license number on all advertising
and printed materials. Additionally,
you can call
(301) 206 – 8587 or (301) 206 - 8588 to inquire about the
registration of the plumber of your choice.
10. How do I get a sub-meter installed at my property?
STEPS FOR GETTING A SUB-METER
When you decide that you want to get a sub-meter, the following process is recommended:
| Step 1: |
You should call at least three WSSC registered plumbers in your service area to provide an estimate for
modifying your existing pipe-work to accommodate the meter.
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| Step 2: |
Hire the WSSC registered plumber of choice to perform the work.
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| Step 3: |
The plumber applies for the necessary permit from the appropriate WSSC office.
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| Step 4: |
The plumber makes the necessary modifications to your existing pipe-work.
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| Step 5: |
The plumber calls and schedules an inspection of his/her work through WSSC's Regulatory Services Group.
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WSSC inspects and leaves an "Approved" sticker on or near the pipe-work that was installed by the registered plumber.
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| Step 7: |
The plumber calls the appropriate WSSC office and orders the meter. They are
given the scheduling office phone number for the county where the work was performed.
This number is then given to you so you can call and set up an appointment to have the meter installed.
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| Step 8: |
You must be at home during the agreed upon date and time so that the meter can be physically installed.
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Generally, this process may take 7 to 14 days. The actual meter installation usually takes no longer than 30 minutes.
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11. What is a remote reading device?
A remote (reading device) is generally a small box-shaped device
(about the size of a deck of playing cards) that allows WSSC's meter
readers to obtain your meter reading without having to enter the home.
A remote is not a meter, however it is attached to your meter via
an electrical wire that transmits the reading on your inside water
meter to the remote reading device located on the outside wall of
your building. Some remotes are read visually and have a read-out
similar to the odometer in your car. Other remotes can only be read
electronically by the hand-held computer used by WSSC's field
technicians. Both types of remotes provide a more convenient way
for WSSC to obtain meter readings. However, to reduce the
possibility of a meter reader making a keypunch error, we are
working to update all our remote technology devices to the electronically
read type. To avoid estimated bills, WSSC recommends that anyone
with an inside water meter have a remote reading device installed
at the property.
12. How can I get a remote reading device installed on my inside water meter?
Call the Customer Care agents at (301) 206 - 4001 or
1-800-634-8400. The agent will
schedule the installation of your new equipment. Field personnel must
enter the premises to install a replacement meter that is compatible
with a remote reading device. Generally, the remote reader is
installed on the outside wall of the premises, as close to the
location of the inside water meter as possible when the area is not
paneled or dry walled (finished).
If the meter is located in a "finished" area of the premises, please
call WSSC to determine whether a remote reading device can be
installed.
13. How much does it cost to get a remote reading device installed at my property?
Generally, this service is provided free to our customers provided
WSSC staff completes the installation. However, there have been a
few cases in which WSSC has not been able to install a remote device
at a customer's property due to the unique configuration of those
customer's plumbing. In some of these cases, customers can contact
a WSSC registered plumber or other service professional to drill the
necessary hole and run the connecting wire for us. In the latter
case, customers will be charged per the rate schedule of the hired
service professional.
14. Does it cost me anything to have my meter repaired / replaced?
Once WSSC personnel determine that our equipment must be replaced
due to a mechanical problem or simple aging, this service is provided
by WSSC and is free to all WSSC customers. However, if your meter
is located inside your home/business, the environment must be
consistently heated to no less than 55° Fahrenheit. If the water
inside the meter freezes causing a frost bottom leak, you will be
charged a Damaged Meter Fee. This incremental fee is based upon the
size of the damaged water meter.
15. How long will the meter change take?
A standard meter replacement takes about 30 minutes. If an inside
meter is being replaced with a remote reading device, then the
installation generally requires 45 - 60 minutes.
If you need to change your scheduled appointment, call us at
(301) 206 - 4001 or 1-800-634-8400.
16. What are the dimensions of currently available water meters?
| Meter Dimensions |
Meter Size
and Type |
Length |
Width |
Height |
Connection
Type and Size |
| 5/8" All |
7-½" |
3-½" |
5-¾" |
¾ " Coupling Nut |
| ¾" All |
9" |
4-¼" |
6" |
1" Coupling Nut |
| 1" |
10 ¾" |
6-½" |
6-7/8" |
1-¼" Coupling Nut |
| 1-½" |
12-5/8" or 13" |
9" |
7" |
1-½" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
2"
Positive Displacement |
15-¼" or 17" |
9-½" |
8-½" |
2" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
2"
Detector Check |
17" |
8-½" |
15-½" |
2" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
3"
Compound |
24" |
10-½" |
18" |
3" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
3"
Turbine |
24" |
8" |
9"-¼" |
3" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
4"
Compound |
29" |
13" |
22-½" |
4" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
4"
Turbine |
29" |
10" |
10" |
4" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
4"
Fire Meter |
33" |
29" |
17-¼" |
4" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
4"
Detector Check |
16-½" |
17" |
15-5/8" |
4" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
6"
Compound |
36-½" |
17" |
28" |
6" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
6"
Turbine |
36-½" |
13" |
12-¼" |
6" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
6"
Fire Meter |
45" |
35" |
24-½" |
6" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
6"
Detector Check |
22-½" |
18" |
20-1/8" |
6" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
8"
Fire Meter |
53" |
43-¼" |
29" |
8" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
8"
Detector Check |
25" |
20" |
23-7/8" |
8" Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
10"
Fire Meter |
68" |
55-½" |
38" |
10 " Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
10"
Detector Check |
28" |
22" |
27-5/8" |
10 " Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
12"
Fire Meter |
68" |
55-½" |
38" |
12 " Companion Flange
(Female Threaded) |
Note: WSSC Provides Companion Flanges, Nuts, Bolts and Gaskets for all meters 1-½" or larger.
17. How often does my meter get read?
18. How can I tell if I have plumbing Leaks?
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