Poolesville water heaters fail in the usual ways, from worn elements and pilot assemblies to sediment and leaking valves, and most of that can be repaired. The difference here is the water: the town runs on its own groundwater wells, and some nearby homes have private wells. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Poolesville.
Poolesville is not WSSC Water territory for drinking water. The Town operates its own municipal wells, drawing groundwater from the New Oxford Formation aquifer from wells between 285 and 800 feet deep, and the water needs only minimal treatment, with chlorine added for disinfection. The Town also runs its own wastewater treatment plant on Beall Street. Montgomery County's water and sewer plan lists the area as served by Town and onsite systems, so some properties in and around town use private wells and a private onsite wastewater system. Groundwater, public or private, deposits minerals in a tank over time, so sediment and anode wear are the issues to watch. Census-based figures put the median home around 1985.
What to do now
- If the tank is leaking, close the cold-water valve above the heater.
- Turn off the breaker for an electric heater, or set the gas control to off.
- If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from outside.
- If the leak won't stop at the heater valve, close the main shutoff where the water enters the house.
- Note the heater's model, age and fuel, and whether your home is on Town water or a private well.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Rumbling or popping | Mineral sediment on the tank floor |
| Rotten-egg smell from hot taps only | Anode reaction with the water, more common on wells |
| Hot water runs short | Sediment, failed lower element, broken dip tube |
| No hot water, gas unit | Pilot, thermocouple or gas control fault |
| Relief valve dripping | Worn valve, overheating or high pressure |
| Water pooling at the base | Fitting, drain valve or tank failure |
Cost factors
The part, the fuel type and the amount of sediment drive most of the cost, and homes outside town may add travel time. Permits work a little differently here: the Town of Poolesville issues building and zoning permits from Town Hall, while plumbing and gasfitting permits come from WSSC Water, so a gas heater replacement needs a plumber or gasfitter registered with WSSC. Washington Gas is the Town's natural gas utility, though some rural homes nearby are all-electric or use propane.
Water Heater Repair questions in Poolesville
Does a private well change anything for my water heater?
Who issues the permit for water heater work at my address?
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
What if my home uses propane instead of utility gas?
More plumbing services in Poolesville
Water Heater Repair nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Town of Poolesville: water and sewer
- Town of Poolesville water quality report
- Town of Poolesville wastewater treatment plant
- Montgomery County Water and Sewer Plan, chapter 1
- Town of Poolesville permits and applications
- Town of Poolesville FAQ
- WSSC Water: plumbing and gas inspections
- Washington Gas: contact and emergency line
- Poolesville housing by year built (city-stats.com)
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