Sewer Line Repair in Glenn Dale, MD

Who do I call first in Glenn Dale?

WSSC Water serves Prince George's County with both water and sewer, so your bill should name it as your sewer provider; if it doesn't, call whoever bills you. When sewage is spilling from a manhole or several houses on your street are backing up, call WSSC's Emergency Service Center at 301-206-4002. If the street is fine and only your house has trouble, the problem is in your building sewer, and that's a plumber's job. A quick look at whether neighbors are affected usually settles it.

My house isn't old. Why is the sewer failing?

Glenn Dale's housing is newer than much of the county: the median home was built around 1991. Most sewer lines here are plastic, which won't rust, but it can still go wrong. Joints can separate when the soil underneath settles, a run can sag and collect solids, and later projects such as fences, decks, additions or irrigation lines sometimes damage a pipe nobody located first. Roots also find their way into any joint that leaks. Grease and wipes are a bigger factor in newer lines than people expect, because they build up wherever the pipe has a low spot. A camera inspection shows which of these you're dealing with.

What does WSSC require for the repair?

In Prince George's County, WSSC Water is the inspection agency for plumbing, and its rules call for water and sewer service line repairs and replacements to be done by a plumber holding a WSSC license. That plumber applies for the permit through WSSC Permit Services (301-206-4003) and schedules the inspection. Building permits for other work are handled by the county's Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement in Largo. For a straightforward sewer repair, the WSSC side is what matters.

A Glenn Dale note

Many Glenn Dale homes sit on larger suburban lots with long runs to the street, and some have finished basements. When you call, mention the distance from the house to the street, whether the basement is finished, and anything built over the line since the house went up. That helps the plumber plan access and choose between a spot repair, lining and replacing a section.