Water Heater Replacement in Kensington, MD

Do I need anything from the Town of Kensington?

For the water heater, the plumbing or gas permit comes from WSSC Water Permit Services (301-206-4003), filed by the plumber or gasfitter through WSSC ePermitting. The Town of Kensington also keeps its own forms for home construction projects, so if the heater replacement turns into a remodel, call Town Hall at 301-949-2424 to ask what applies. Keep in mind that the 20895 ZIP, often called Greater Kensington, is much larger than the incorporated town. Addresses outside the town limits deal with WSSC and Montgomery County only.

What's typical of a Kensington heater install?

Kensington grew from a summer retreat into a commuter suburb, and its southern core is a planned Victorian-era layout listed as the Kensington Historic District. The town's median home was built in 1959. In houses of that age the heater usually lives in a basement, may vent into a chimney shared with the furnace, and is often connected with older valves and piping. Replacing the heater is a good moment to check the vent's draft and condition, replace any shutoff that won't close fully, and bring the relief line and expansion tank up to current code. A plumber who explains these items before starting saves surprises later.

Should I check my service line while work is being done?

It's worth a look. WSSC Water publishes an address-searchable map of service line materials and runs a Service Line Replacement Program with financial assistance for qualifying customers. If the plumber is already in the basement where the line enters, ask them to note the pipe material so you can compare it with WSSC's records. WSSC disinfects with free residual chlorine; for water or sewer emergencies outside the house, call 301-206-4002.

A local gas safety note

Washington Gas serves Kensington. If you smell gas around the heater, leave the house before anything else, then call 911 and the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line, 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), option 1, from outside. Don't use switches or try to relight the pilot. Once the utility has cleared the house, a plumber can check the heater's gas connector and control before it goes back into service.