McLean is unincorporated Fairfax County, so commercial properties deal with Fairfax Water, Fairfax County sewer and Fairfax County Land Development Services, which requires a permit even for a direct water heater replacement. Backflow assemblies here must be tested every year by a certified tester on the County's vendor list. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in McLean.
What's different about McLean property
McLean sits just outside the Capital Beltway, about nine miles from downtown Washington, with offices, restaurants and retail along Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive. The median home was built in 1976, so plenty of buildings carry original drains, shutoff valves and water lines that are due for attention.
Fairfax Water supplies the area. Most of its customers receive water from its own plants on the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir, and some receive Washington Aqueduct water, so the supply can differ by address. Disinfection is normally chloramine from July through March and free chlorine from about April through June. Customer service is 703-698-5800, and water emergencies after hours go to 703-698-5613.
The County's Cross Connections Group, working with Fairfax Water, requires testable backflow assemblies to be tested at installation, after repair or relocation, and at least once a year by a DPOR-certified Backflow Prevention Device Worker who appears on the County's Authorized Vendor List. Fire sprinkler systems, in-ground pools, directly connected hot tubs and irrigation all fall under the program. Permits go through PLUS, and the County requires one for new, repaired or relocated plumbing or gas fixtures and for water heater replacement. The owner maintains the private sewer lateral from the building to the County main.
Comparing common jobs
| Job | Permit usually needed? | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Water heater replacement | Yes, even like-for-like | Inspection after install |
| Swapping a fixture in the same spot | Generally exempt | Shutoff access and downtime |
| Adding or moving fixtures | Yes | Plans for larger remodels |
| Backflow test | No, but results must be filed | Yearly retest and any repair parts |
Signs to act on
- Sewage backing up when no fixtures are running
- Annual backflow test overdue on an irrigation or fire line
- Hot water running short during peak hours
- Water stains spreading on a ceiling below a restroom
Timing notes
Hard freezes are the riskiest stretch for exterior walls, garages and irrigation piping, and the end of irrigation season is a natural time to winterize and schedule backflow tests. If sewage comes up with no fixtures in use, call Fairfax County at 703-323-1211 first; if the County main is clear, the private lateral is the owner's to repair. A gas smell means leaving the building, then calling 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.
Commercial Plumbing questions in McLean
Who is qualified to test a backflow assembly at a commercial property?
Which office handles commercial plumbing and gas permits for our address?
Who do we call first when a sewer backup might be coming from the street?
How do we protect a building's pipes during a hard freeze?
More plumbing services in McLean
Commercial Plumbing nearby
Sources
Last updated: