Emergency Plumber in Burke, VA

Sewage is backing up. Is that the county's problem or mine?

It depends where the blockage is. Fairfax County's Wastewater Management program owns the public sewer, and the property owner maintains the private lateral from the house to the county main. When sewage rises with nothing running, the county asks you to call its 24-hour line, 703-323-1211, first. A crew checks the main; if it's flowing, the clog is on your side, and a plumber clears it. While you wait, stop using water anywhere in the house so the backup doesn't get worse.

My water heater died at night. Can it be replaced right away?

Often, yes, but it isn't just a swap. Fairfax County requires a permit even for a direct water heater replacement, so the plumber will file one with Land Development Services. Burke's median home was built in 1979, so many houses in Kings Park, Burke Centre and around Lake Braddock are old enough that the connections, valves and venting may need attention along with the heater. Fairfax Water's supply is moderately hard to hard, and over the years that mineral content leaves sediment in tanks. If the tank is leaking from its body, close the cold supply valve, turn off the gas valve or breaker, and call for help.

Who do I call if the water is shooting up in the street?

Call Fairfax Water. Its after-hours emergency number is 703-698-5613, and weekday customer service is 703-698-5800. Mains, hydrants and the meter belong to the utility. A leak on the house side of the meter, or anything inside your walls, goes to a plumber.

Signs that point to a real emergency:

• Water spreading from a ceiling, a wall or under a cabinet
• Sewage in a basement drain or lowest toilet
• A puddle under the water heater
• No water anywhere in the house while neighbors have service
• Any smell of gas

One more local note

Burke is mostly Washington Gas territory. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from outside. Night and weekend calls usually cost more than a weekday visit, and no arrival time is promised; when you call, give the address and a landmark such as Burke Lake Road or the Burke Centre VRE station.