Plumbers in Clifton, VA

A tiny historic village

Clifton was chartered as a town in 1902 and is one of Fairfax County's three towns, with just 243 residents in the 2020 Census. It has been a National Historic District since 1984 and sits in southwestern Fairfax County about 22 miles from downtown Washington, far less built up than its neighbors, with wooded single-family lots and equestrian land to the north. Main Street, Clifton Road and Chapel Road run through it, past the Clifton Hotel, Clifton Town Park and Popes Head Creek. The Clifton ZIP code, 20124, covers a much larger unincorporated area around the town, where service can differ.

Wells, not a water main

The town has no water system. Homes rely on private wells, and the town requires new houses on vacant lots to have room for a well and an onsite wastewater field. That puts the well pump, pressure tank, pressure switch, any filtration or treatment and the line into the house in the owner's hands. Common signs of trouble include sputtering faucets, low or swinging pressure, a pump that cycles constantly or won't shut off, and changes in taste, odor or color, which call for a water test.

Homes elsewhere in 20124 may be on Fairfax Water; if yours is, Fairfax Water's customer service is 703-698-5800 and its after-hours emergency line is 703-698-5613.

Wastewater

Public sewer is available only to existing buildings that meet Fairfax County's administrative guidelines, and connecting requires county approval. Other homes are not on municipal sewer and use a private onsite wastewater system. A plumber handles the house drains and the private line running out toward the system's tank; pumping and field work are separate services.

Propane instead of utility gas

No natural gas utility serves the Town of Clifton; residences keep their own propane tanks. If you smell gas, leave the building first, then call 911 and your propane supplier from outside. Propane water heaters, ranges and furnaces are routine work here, and many homes run partly or fully on electricity.

Permits need the town's signature

Building permits come from Fairfax County Land Development Services, but the Mayor or a designee must sign the application before it goes to the county. For interior-only work, email clerk@cliftonva.gov to request a letter to LDS. LDS handles residential plumbing and Household Appliance permits through PLUS (703-222-0801).

Old houses and cold nights

Much of the town's housing is old; the median build year is around 1940. Older drain and supply piping, crawlspaces and pipes in uninsulated walls make winter freezes a real risk, and a well system that loses power during a storm also leaves the house without water.

Clifton compared with the District

Every DC home is on DC Water, public sewer and, where gas is used, Washington Gas. In Clifton, the owner's well, propane tank and onsite system replace all three. When you call, mention that you're on a well and describe the problem, and you will be connected with an independent plumber who sets price and timing with you.