When a line bursts or sewage backs up in Lorton, close the main water valve right away; if you smell gas, leave and call 911 and Washington Gas from outside. Then call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Lorton.
Lorton's setup
Lorton is an unincorporated part of southern Fairfax County along Interstate 95 and Route 1, between Fort Belvoir and the Occoquan River. It's home to two big pieces of the county's water infrastructure: Fairfax Water's Griffith plant, which treats Occoquan Reservoir water, and the county's Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility. Housing is mostly newer; only about 17 percent of homes in ZIP 22079 predate 1980, and the 2000s were the biggest building decade, especially around Laurel Hill.
Steps to take now
- Close the main water valve where the supply line enters the house.
- Turn off the water heater's gas valve or breaker and close its cold supply if it's leaking.
- If drains are backing up, stop all water use and call Fairfax County's 24-hour sewer line at 703-323-1211.
- For water flowing in the street or at the meter, call Fairfax Water's after-hours line at 703-698-5613.
- If you smell gas, walk out without touching switches. From outside, call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.
- Photograph the damage, then call a plumber.
Symptoms and likely causes
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water pouring from under the laundry room door | A burst washer hose or failed supply valve |
| Water heater dripping from the bottom | Tank failure or a leaking drain valve |
| Basement floor drain overflowing | A blocked lateral, a county main problem or a failed sump pump in a storm |
| Ceiling stain under an upstairs bath | A leaking toilet seal, shower valve or drain joint |
| Spring chlorine taste in the tap water | Fairfax Water's seasonal switch to free chlorine, which is normal |
What affects the cost
- Hour of the call. Nights, weekends and holidays usually cost more.
- Ownership. The property owner maintains the private sewer lateral; a clog there is the owner's expense, while a county main problem is the county's.
- Access. Finished basements in newer homes mean drywall may need to come down.
- Permits. Fairfax County Land Development Services issues building and trade permits for Lorton through PLUS.
When you call, a landmark such as Gunston Hall, Pohick Church or a Route 1 cross street helps. No arrival time is promised.
Emergency Plumber questions in Lorton
Water is gushing from the street or the meter box. Who handles that?
Sewage is coming up through a basement floor drain. Who do I call first?
The basement is taking on water during a storm. Is that a plumbing emergency?
How do I find the main water shutoff and close it fast?
More plumbing services in Lorton
Emergency Plumber nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Fairfax County Wastewater Management
- Fairfax Water: water quality
- Fairfax Water annual water quality report
- Fairfax County Land Development Services
- Fairfax County: utility and cable providers
- Washington Gas: safety and emergency leak line
- Prince William Water: water treatment facilities
- Lorton ZIP 22079 housing (city-data.com)
- Lorton, Virginia (Wikipedia)
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