Glenn Dale homes on WSSC Water fall under its cross-connection rules: testable backflow assemblies on irrigation and fire sprinkler systems must be tested every year, and again after installation, repair or relocation, by a WSSC-registered plumber who is a certified cross-connection technician. Homeowners may rebuild or replace only non-testable devices. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Glenn Dale.
Why do so many Glenn Dale homes have a backflow assembly?
Glenn Dale's housing is young for Prince George's County, with a median build year of 1991. Homes off Annapolis Road, Lanham-Severn Road, Good Luck Road and Glenn Dale Boulevard are more likely than older inner-Beltway houses to have in-ground sprinkler systems, and some have residential fire sprinklers. Both connect to the drinking water supply, and both carry a testable assembly that keeps sprinkler water from flowing back. Many owners discover the device only when a reminder arrives or a home inspector points it out.
What exactly does WSSC require?
The WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code requires an annual test of every testable backflow prevention assembly, such as those on irrigation and fire sprinkler systems. A test is also required right after a device is installed, repaired or moved. Only WSSC-registered plumbers who hold cross-connection certification may do that work. Homeowners can handle non-testable devices themselves, but anything with test cocks belongs to a qualified technician. WSSC handles plumbing permits and inspections for Prince George's County, through Permit Services at 301-206-4003; building permits come from the county's DPIE in Largo.
Whose problem is a leak near the device?
It depends where the leak is. WSSC owns the water service line only up to the property line. Everything from there to the house, including the backflow assembly on an irrigation tap, is the owner's to repair. If you see a wet spot near the curb or meter, call WSSC first; if the water is coming from the assembly, a fitting near the house or the sprinkler riser, a plumber is the right call. WSSC's number for water emergencies is 301-206-4002.
A Glenn Dale note
Schedule irrigation tests when you turn the system back on in spring, and have the line drained or blown out in fall so an above-ground assembly doesn't split in a freeze. If you are buying a home here, ask the sellers for past test reports. A device with no history may need a rebuild before it passes, and it's easier to sort that out before closing.
Backflow Testing questions in Glenn Dale
Can I rebuild or replace a backflow device myself?
How often does a backflow assembly have to be tested here?
My house was built around 2007 to 2009 and has fire sprinklers. Does that matter?
Can a winter freeze damage an outdoor backflow preventer?
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