Wastewater Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have an urgent issue to report after hours?
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If your issue requires immediate attention, please contact our 24/7 Operations Department service line at (301) 373-5305.
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What is the large green "thing" in my yard, and the electrical box and red light attached to my house?
The green "thing" is the lid to the residential grinder pump. Many of MetCom's sewer service areas utilize residential grinder pumps to grind and transfer waste from your residential sewer service line to the sewer mains and eventually the wastewater treatment facility. Grinder pumps are equipped with audible and visual alarms in the event of a pump failure.
What should I do if the grinder pump alarm goes off?
Immediately call the MetCom 24 hour emergency service line at (301) 373-5305. Please limit the water use in your residence until technicians arrive and do not shut off the circuit breaker for the grinder pump panel to silence the audible alarm. In most cases, an alarm silence button can be found on the exterior of the grinder pump panel.
What is the capped pipe in my yard?
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The capped pipe is a cleanout, which is an access for the sewer service line. It is your responsibility to maintain accessibility to the cleanout. If the cleanout cap or line is broken, please call the MetCom service line at (301) 373-5305 and MetCom staff will respond to assess and repair the damages.
What parts of the sewer service are my responsibility?
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For gravity sewer systems, MetCom jurisdiction stops at the cleanout at or near the property line. For services that do not have a cleanout installed or where the cleanout is not visible, MetCom jurisdiction stops at the property line. For grinder pump sewer services, MetCom jurisdiction stops at the grinder pump.
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What should I do if I experience a sewer back-up?
Immediately limit the indoor water use and call the 24 hour emergency service line at (301) 373-5305, before calling a plumber. MetCom staff will respond and clear the blockage if the blockage occurs downstream of the cleanout. If the blockage is in the homeowners portion of the sewer line, MetCom staff will notify you and a plumber may be needed to clear the blockage.
Where does the wastewater go once it enters the sewer system?
The wastewater enters the sewer collection system and flows by either gravity or by pumping to the nearest wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater is treated to strict standards before being discharged into the ground or to the Chesapeake Bay.
Water Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my water come from?
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Your water comes from confined aquifers hundreds of feet underground.
What should I do if I have an urgent issue to report after hours?
If your issue requires immediate attention, please contact our 24/7 Operations Department service line at (301) 373-5305.
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Are there any chemicals added to my water?
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Yes. Chlorine is added to your water to ensure that the water remains bacteria free to your tap. There are no other chemicals added to your water.
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Is there fluoride in my water?
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Yes. There is a small amount of naturally-occurring fluoride in your water system. We periodically measure the amount of fluoride in each water system. This information is available on our website at www.metcom.org or by calling our Operations Customer Service at (301) 373-4733, extension 101. It is also recommended that you consult your dentist to determine if supplemental fluoride is necessary.
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What parts of the water service is my responsibility?
Depending on your particular situation, your responsibility can vary. However, in general the following would apply:
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MetCom jurisdiction stops at your property line, unless you have an outside water meter, in which case MetCom maintains up to and including the water meter.
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What should I do if I lose water pressure?
First, check all your faucets and plumbing within your home to make sure there is not a problem. You can call the MetCom 24 hour emergency service line at (301) 373-5305.
Who should I call if I see water or wastewater bubbling up from the ground?
Immediately call the MetCom 24 hour emergency service line at (301) 373-5305. MetCom staff will respond and assess the leak.
What should I do if I have cold water but not hot water?
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First, check the circuit breaker for the water heater. A plumber may need to be contacted to fix the problem.
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How much water can a running/leaking toilet use?
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A running toilet can waste between 2-3 gallons per minute (2,800 - 4,300 gallons per day) , but could be as high as 5 gallons per minute (7,200 gallons per day). If not detected and repaired, you could waste more in one day than you might use in your home for an entire month.