Plumbers in Damascus, MD

Small town at the top of the county

Damascus grew up where MD 27 (Ridge Road), MD 108 and MD 124 (Woodfield Road) meet, about 26 miles from downtown Washington. Family farms and equestrian centers still surround it, and nearby crossroads such as Clagettsville, Browningsville, Woodfield and Purdum share its ZIP. Montgomery County governs the area; Damascus High School is about as central a landmark as it gets.

Housing from the 1970s through the 1990s

The median home was built in 1984. About 35% of units predate 1980 and another 37% went up in the 1980s, making Damascus older than most of upcounty Montgomery. That points to original water heaters long since replaced (sometimes more than once), aging copper and early plastic supply lines, worn well pumps and pressure tanks on rural lots, and drain lines due for a camera check.

Public systems and private ones

WSSC Water serves most of the county, but the Water and Sewer Plan gives each property a category for community service or individual wells and onsite systems, so outside the core, confirm what you have. On WSSC water you get chlorine disinfection, UV treatment at the plants and orthophosphate to limit pipe corrosion. WSSC also runs a small local plant, the Damascus Water Resource Recovery Facility, which discharges to Magruder Branch. Homes outside the sewer categories use private onsite wastewater systems maintained by the owner.

For WSSC customers, the utility is responsible for the service line from the main to the property line, and the owner from there into the house. WSSC says it removed all known lead pipe from its distribution system and helps customers identify private-side pipe material (pipetype@wsscwater.com).

Permits, gas and backflow

WSSC Water issues permits for and inspects plumbing and every natural gas or LP gas installation in Montgomery County. A gas water heater swap needs a plumber or gasfitter holding a WSSC license, with the application filed through WSSC ePermitting (301-206-4003). Testable backflow assemblies on irrigation or residential fire sprinklers must be tested every year and after any installation or repair by a certified cross-connection technician, and dual checks are rebuilt or replaced every five years.

If you smell gas

Washington Gas serves Montgomery County, and some rural homes may run on propane instead. Leave the house first. Then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, or 911 and your propane supplier if you have a tank.

How the call works

Say whether you are on WSSC water or a well, and on public sewer or not, and describe the trouble. You will be connected with an independent local plumber who sets the price and schedule with you.