Commercial Plumbing in Riverdale, MD

Signs to act on

• A restaurant line that backs up during a busy weekend
• Low flow from old supply lines in a converted storefront
• A backflow notice for spring irrigation start-up
• Toilets and urinals that run or double-flush
• A water heater that leaves the back of the building lukewarm
• Water stains on a ceiling under a restroom

Local conditions in Riverdale

Riverdale Park is an older streetcar-suburb town just south of College Park along US 1, with Riverdale Heights and other unincorporated areas sharing the 20737 ZIP code. The median home in the town dates to 1957, so many older commercial buildings along Baltimore Avenue, Kenilworth Avenue and East-West Highway have aging galvanized or cast iron piping. Newer buildings at Riverdale Park Station bring modern systems with large water heaters, backflow assemblies and grease interceptors.

WSSC Water disinfects with chlorine rather than chloramine. Its tap water analysis gives Potomac plant water an average hardness of about 140 mg/L and Patuxent plant water about 64 mg/L, and which plant serves an address varies. WSSC's What's Your Pipe Type? program inventories service line materials on both the utility and customer sides, verifies lines listed as lead, galvanized or unknown, and helps customers replace lead on either portion. Owners planning to replace their part of the line should let WSSC know first. Water and sewer emergencies go to the Emergency Service Center at 301-206-4002.

The WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code requires every installed testable backflow assembly to be tested annually and after installation, repair or relocation, and lawn irrigation assemblies need a test reported at spring start-up. Only journeyman or master plumbers holding a WSSC license and registration who are also certified cross-connection technicians may test and repair them. Most plumbing, including service line work, needs a plumber with a WSSC license under a WSSC permit (Permit Services 301-206-4003). Building permits are a county matter; properties inside the Town of Riverdale Park should also ask the town about any local step. The town lists Washington Gas as its gas utility; if anyone smells gas, leave, then call 911 and 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), option 1.

What changes the cost

• Old versus new construction and pipe material
• How many tenants or fixtures are affected
• Diagnostics such as camera inspection
• After-hours scheduling
• Permits, inspections and backflow retests

What happens when you call

Describe the property and the problem, and say whether the business is still open. You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who handles commercial work in Riverdale. Ask about timing and pricing up front.