Plumbers in Derwood, MD

Just north of Rockville

Derwood lies north of Rockville and southeast of Gaithersburg, near the Shady Grove Metro, about 16 miles from downtown Washington. It became a census-designated place with the 2010 census and is governed by Montgomery County. MD 200 (the Intercounty Connector), MD 355 and Shady Grove Road border neighborhoods such as Mill Creek Towne, Needwood Estates and Derwood Station, with Lake Needwood and the Redland Shopping Center nearby.

A 1980s neighborhood, mostly

About two-thirds of Derwood's housing went up in the 1980s, the median home dates to 1985, and only around 15% predates 1980. At this age the common jobs are predictable: water heater replacements, failing shutoff and pressure-reducing valves, toilet and faucet rebuilds, garbage disposals, and the occasional pinhole leak. Main drain clogs from roots and grease are also part of the mix as sewer laterals pass the 40-year mark. Finished basements raise the stakes, since a failed sump pump or a burst supply line during a hard freeze can soak carpet and drywall quickly.

Water and sewer

WSSC Water supplies water and collects sewage here. The county Water and Sewer Plan assigns every property a category, so confirm service by address if you are near the edge of development. WSSC's water quality report lists a chlorine residual, UV disinfection at the plants and orthophosphate to slow corrosion. Most of the sewage WSSC collects in Montgomery County is treated at DC Water's Blue Plains plant.

WSSC owns the service line from the main to the property line; the homeowner owns it from the property line to the house. For a break or backup in the street, call WSSC's emergency line at 301-206-4002. WSSC also runs a pipe type program to help you identify the material on your side (pipetype@wsscwater.com).

Permits and backflow

In WSSC territory, a gas water heater, furnace or gas appliance replacement must be done by a plumber or gasfitter holding a WSSC license under a WSSC permit filed through ePermitting (Permit Services, 301-206-4003). WSSC inspects both natural gas and LP gas installations. Building permits are a Montgomery County matter. If your yard has in-ground irrigation, its backflow assembly needs an annual test by a WSSC-certified cross-connection technician.

Gas emergencies

Washington Gas serves Montgomery County. If you smell gas, walk out first, then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.

What to expect

Share your neighborhood and the symptom. You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in Derwood and nearby Rockville and Gaithersburg, and who agrees on the price and timing with you.