In Accokeek, how a hidden leak shows up depends on where your water comes from: a public water bill that climbs, or a well pump that runs more often than it should. Either way, a plumber can test the system and locate the leak before cutting into walls or digging. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Accokeek.
Accokeek water: it depends on the address
Accokeek was a rural tobacco-farming area on the Potomac and is now mostly suburban, about 16 miles from downtown Washington. Water and sewer service vary by address here, from WSSC Water's public system to homes that handle their own water, and the Moyaone Reserve west of Route 210 is made up of individually designed homes on wooded lots of five acres or more. If you're not sure which you have, a WSSC bill (or the lack of one) settles it. Housing is relatively new for the area, with a median build year of 1997, so many leaks involve fixtures, fittings and appliance connections rather than old pipe.
If you're a WSSC customer and see water rising in the street or at the curb, call WSSC at 301-206-4002. Leaks inside your property, or anywhere in a well system, are for a plumber.
Finding a leak: public water vs. a private well
| On WSSC public water | On a private well | |
|---|---|---|
| First warning sign | Higher water bill | Pump cycling on when no one is using water |
| Quick home check | Watch the meter with everything off | Watch the pressure gauge at the tank with everything off |
| Where leaks hide | Service line, basement fittings, toilets | Line from well to house, pressure tank fittings, toilets |
| Who to call outside the home | WSSC for street or curb leaks | No utility; the whole system is yours |
Signs to look for
- A meter or pressure gauge that changes while the house is idle
- A well pump that kicks on in the middle of the night
- Damp spots or soft ground between the well or meter and the house
- Stains below bathrooms, or mildew near the water heater
Seasonal notes
Cold snaps are hard on pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawlspaces, and on well lines and pressure tanks in unheated spaces. A crack from a freeze may not leak until things thaw, so watch the meter or gauge after a cold spell. In summer, check irrigation and garden hoses before assuming the house is leaking. Repairs that need a permit go through WSSC Water, which issues plumbing permits in Prince George's County.
Leak Detection questions in Accokeek
How do I check for a leak if my home is on a private well?
How do I know which utility serves my address?
Can a winter freeze cause a leak that only shows up later?
Can a fairly new house still have a hidden leak?
More plumbing services in Accokeek
Leak Detection nearby
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