Back to Home

Leak Detection

 

How to Detect a Leak – for homes with an inside meter

 

If you suspect a water leak, turn off all the faucets in the house. Check your water meter to see if the flow detector (a small black triangleor small red dial) is moving.
If the flow detector moves, then stops, then moves again, it is a good indication that your toilet valve is leaking or that there may be a very small leak.
If the flow detector moves slowly, it is a good indication that you have a small leak.
If the flow detector moves rapidly, it is a good indication that you have a break in your line - check for soggy areas in your yard or under your house.
Once the repairs are made, call our Tax/Utility office at 301.759.6409 for a possible leak adjustment on your bill.
 

How to Detect a Leak – for homes with an outside meter

 

If you have a concern, call the City of Cumberland Water Distribution Department to check your meter:
The best place to detect a leak is at the water meter outside. Call the City of Cumberland Water Distribution Department at 301.759.6625 to request your meter be checked for any indication of leaks.
While no water is being used, the Water Utility technician will observe the meter's leak indicator or dial hand and note its movement over the span of 15 minutes, if the leak indicator or dial hand has not moved, there is no leak.
If a leak indicated, but the location of the leak is not evident, or you are unable to fix it yourself, call a professional, such as a plumber, that specializes in leak detection and repair.
 

Water Loss

7.48 gallons = 1 cubic foot

  • Leaking Toilet @1/2 GPM = 21,600 Gal/mo
  • Drip Irrigation @1 GPM = 43,200 Gal/mo
  • Watering Garden for 2 hours @ 5 GPM = 18,000 Gal/mo
  • Watering Garden for 2 hours @ 10 GPM = 36,000 Gal/mo
  • Unattended Water Hose 1 night @10 GPM = 5,400 Gal/mo
  • Broken Services Line 1 night @15 GPM = 8,100 Gal

                                   1 day @15 GPM = 21,600 Gal

                                   1 week @15 GPM = 151,200 Gal                                                                                             

                                   1 month @ 15 GPM = 648,000 Gal

  • Stuck Ice Maker @ 2 GPM = 86,400 Gal/mo
  • Stuck Check Valve in Washing Machine – 30 minutes = 240 Gal
  • Stuck Float Valve in Watering Trough @ 5GPM = 216,000 Gal/mo
 
Typical Uses
  • 1 Bath = 42 Gal
  • 1 Shower = 17 Gal
  • Wash 1 Load of Clothes = 45 Gal
  • Flush Toilet = 3 Gal