Potomac homes are typically large, with long runs of supply pipe, several bathrooms and often irrigation, so a hidden leak can be hard to trace without testing the system section by section. Most homes are on WSSC Water, though some properties rely on private wells and onsite systems. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Potomac.
A quick word on Potomac homes
Potomac grew from farmland into an affluent suburb centered on Potomac Village, where Falls Road meets River Road. The median home was built in 1977, and many sit on large lots with a long service line between the meter and the house. Montgomery County assigns every property a water and sewer category, and some are designated for private wells and onsite wastewater systems rather than WSSC service, so the first question is where your water comes from.
What to do now
- Shut off all fixtures, appliances and the irrigation controller.
- If you're on WSSC Water, read the meter, wait 30 minutes, and read it again. Any change means a leak.
- If you're on a private well, listen for the pump. A pump that cycles on with nothing running is a strong sign of a leak somewhere after the pressure tank.
- Close the main valve inside the house. If the meter or pump still runs, the trouble is likely the buried line outside.
- Check toilets with dye tablets or food coloring; large homes with many bathrooms often have more than one running.
- For water surfacing near the street on a WSSC connection, call WSSC Water at 301-206-4002.
Signs and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Green or soggy strip across the lawn | Break in a long service line or irrigation main |
| Well pump short-cycling at night | Toilet leak, failing check valve or a leak after the tank |
| Stain below an upstairs bath | Shower valve, drain joint or supply line in the floor |
| Wet ceiling in a finished basement | Supply or drain leak in the floor above |
| Cold spot at an outdoor wall after a freeze | Split pipe or frost-free faucet in the wall |
What affects the cost
- Size of the house and how many fixtures, zones and branches need testing
- Length and depth of the service line, or the well line, that may need tracing
- Equipment such as ground microphones, thermal cameras and line tracers
- Repair scope, especially if a long buried line has to be replaced
- Permits: WSSC Water issues plumbing permits in Montgomery County
Irrigation and pool equipment add more places for water to go. WSSC requires testable backflow assemblies, such as those on irrigation systems, to be tested every year and after any repair.
Leak Detection questions in Potomac
How do I look for a leak if the house is on a private well?
Could the lawn irrigation system be where the water is going?
Does the local water make pipes more likely to leak?
How do I keep a leak from running for days while we're away?
More plumbing services in Potomac
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