Sewer Line Replacement in Capitol Heights, MD

Signs the line needs replacing

• A main-line clog keeps returning after it is snaked
• The basement floor drain or lowest tub fills with dirty water
• Toilets bubble when the washing machine drains
• A persistent sewer smell near the house or cleanout
• Camera video showing roots, cracks or offsets at several joints

Capitol Heights' sewer and housing

Capitol Heights began as a 1904 subdivision just beyond the District's eastern edge, where Northeast and Southeast Washington meet, and was incorporated as a town in 1910. The Capitol Heights mailing address also covers unincorporated areas around the town. Census estimates put the median home at 1967, with older houses closer to Southern Avenue and East Capitol Street. Laterals under those homes can be clay, which lets roots in, or cast iron, which corrodes and cracks with age.

Although it borders the District, Capitol Heights is served by WSSC Water for water and wastewater, and WSSC's plumbing permits and rules apply. If you are right at the line, confirm by address on your bill. WSSC's emergency line, 301-206-4002, is for trouble in the public system. A backup limited to your home usually means the private line, which is the owner's responsibility. Replacement requires a WSSC permit and a plumber holding a WSSC license.

Cost factors

• Length and depth from the foundation to the main
• Whether lining or bursting is possible, or the line must be dug up
• Steps, walks, driveways and fences in the path
• Drain pipe under the basement slab that also needs work
• The WSSC permit and inspection

After you call

You will be connected with an independent local plumber who works in Capitol Heights. The plumber will usually run a camera from the cleanout and locate the line before giving a firm price, since lot sizes, depth and the route to the street vary a lot across older blocks. Expect an explanation of the method that fits your pipe, who files the WSSC permit, and when the inspection happens before the line is covered. Ask for the camera video and a note of where the new cleanout sits. Both are useful records if you sell the house or need the line cleared again later.