Slab Leak Repair in Kensington, MD

Are older Kensington houses more likely to leak under the floor?

Generally, yes. Kensington grew from a summer retreat into a commuter suburb, and its southern core is a largely intact Victorian-era layout listed as the Kensington Historic District. With a median build year around 1959, many homes still carry original or early replacement piping: galvanized steel, older copper, or a mix joined over the years. Where those lines run under the basement slab, corrosion and wear can eventually open a leak. A pressure test on the hot and cold sides tells a plumber quickly whether the problem is beneath the concrete.

Who handles the permit, the town or WSSC?

Both can be involved. WSSC Water issues plumbing permits for Kensington through WSSC Permit Services at 301-206-4003, and the repair is done by a plumber registered with WSSC. The Town of Kensington also has its own forms for home construction projects, so if the repair grows into remodeling, check with Town Hall at 301-949-2424. Keep in mind that the 20895 mailing area is much larger than the town itself; addresses outside town limits deal with Montgomery County for building approvals instead.

What if the leak is on the line coming into the house?

The service line often passes under the basement floor before it reaches the main shutoff, and in a house from the 1950s or earlier it may be old enough to warrant replacement rather than a patch. WSSC publishes an address-searchable map of recorded service line materials, including the customer side, and runs a Service Line Replacement Program with replacement planning and financial assistance for lead lines. Looking up your address before the plumber arrives can save time. If water is coming up in the street or at the meter, call WSSC's emergency line at 301-206-4002.

One local note

WSSC disinfects with free chlorine and treats water from the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Water chemistry isn't usually what causes a leak under a Kensington slab; pipe age is. If water is spreading, close the main shutoff and leave it closed until the plumber arrives. It also helps to note whether the leak seems tied to hot water, since that narrows the search before any testing begins.