Plumbing Inspection in Mount Rainier, MD

Local conditions in Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier began as an early-1900s streetcar suburb on the District line, bordering Woodridge, and a large part of the city is a National Register historic district. Its housing stock is old, with a median build year around 1952, which makes galvanized supply pipe, cast iron drains and older sewer laterals likely in many homes. Past renovations often left a mix of copper, plastic and original pipe, and the joints between them are where leaks start.

Although it borders DC, Mount Rainier is served by WSSC Water, not DC Water, and the city has posted notices about WSSC sewer rehabilitation on its streets. WSSC banned lead as a service line material in 1954 and has a What's Your Pipe Type? map showing whether an address is recorded as lead, galvanized requiring replacement or unknown. In a house this old, the plumber checks the pipe at the foundation regardless of what the map says.

WSSC's tap analysis shows average hardness of about 140 mg/L from its Potomac plant and about 65 mg/L from its Patuxent plant, and which one serves an address isn't stated. Water is disinfected with chlorine, with orthophosphate added to coat pipe interiors.

Findings: repair or replace

Signs to act on

• Brown water or weak pressure on upper floors
• Sewer smell or backups in the basement
• Visible rust on drain pipes
• An old gas boiler or water heater

Timing and permits

Book early so a camera run fits within the contract period, and check exposed basement pipes before winter freezes. WSSC Water permits and inspects plumbing and all gas work here, and the City of Mount Rainier's Code Compliance Department issues city building permits, noting that some permits come from the county. Washington Gas serves the area: if you smell gas, leave right away and call 911 and 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.