Bladensburg gets WSSC Water, and WSSC's tap analysis puts Potomac plant water at a yearly average of about 140 mg/L of hardness and Patuxent plant water at about 65 mg/L. Since the plant serving a given address isn't spelled out, a quick tap test shows whether a softener is worth adding. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Bladensburg.
How a call goes
When you call, you'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Bladensburg. Be ready to say what prompted the call, whether it is white crust on fixtures, a water heater that rumbles, or an existing softener that leaks or keeps cycling. Let them know the age of the house and where the main shutoff and water heater are. If you have run a hardness test, share the number; it often decides on the spot whether a softener is a good investment or whether simple maintenance will do.
What sets the price
- Your measured hardness, since Bladensburg water can sit near either plant's average
- How many people live in the home and how much water they use
- Condition of the pipe and shutoff valve where the unit connects
- Route to a drain for the regeneration line
- Repair parts versus a complete new unit
- Removal of old equipment
Bladensburg's water and homes
Bladensburg is a historic Anacostia River town just outside the District, today a busy crossroads of US 1 Alternate, MD 201 and MD 450. WSSC Water, not DC Water, supplies it, treating Potomac River water and Patuxent reservoir water at two plants. WSSC's tap analysis lists the Potomac plant's yearly average at 140 mg/L, with a range of 70 to 195, and the Patuxent plant's at 65 mg/L, with a range of 53 to 77. Converted, that is roughly 8 grains per gallon on the harder side and under 4 on the softer side.
WSSC disinfects with chlorine, adds UV at both plants and doses orthophosphate to coat pipes, including those on your property. The town's median home was built in 1968. In houses of that age, the plumber will look at the main and shutoff valve before cutting in new equipment. WSSC also publishes a lookup map showing the service line material on file for each address, which is worth checking if you are planning work near the main.
The Town of Bladensburg doesn't issue plumbing permits; in Prince George's County, WSSC permits and inspects plumbing work, and most of it must be done by a plumber registered with WSSC.
Short checklist
- Test cold kitchen water if you have a kit
- Clear access to the main shutoff and drain
- Bypass a leaking softener
- Note the heater type and age
Water Softeners & Filtration questions in Bladensburg
How do I convert mg/L of hardness into grains per gallon?
Is a softener worth it if the water is only moderately hard?
Where does the regeneration water go?
Will a softener help my water heater or tankless unit?
More plumbing services in Bladensburg
Water Softeners & Filtration nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
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