If a Takoma Park home smells of gas, everyone should leave first, then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from outside. For leak repair, rerouted piping during renovations and new appliance lines past the meter, call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Takoma Park.
Why do older Takoma Park houses need extra care with gas?
Takoma Park began in 1883 as a commuter suburb on the District line, about five miles from downtown Washington, and a large part of it is a National Register historic district. The median home here was built in 1954. Many houses predate natural gas appliances altogether and had gas piping added in stages: first for heat and hot water, later for a range or dryer, sometimes after a coal or oil system was removed. That history shows up as mixed fittings, long runs through basements and crawlspaces, abandoned stubs and connectors that have outlasted their intended life.
What permits apply to gas work here?
Takoma Park is an incorporated city, but gas piping permits still come from WSSC Water, which sets plumbing and fuel gas rules across Montgomery County. Most plumbing projects and all gas work, including furnace and gas water heater replacements, must be done by a plumber or gasfitter registered with WSSC, under a WSSC permit filed through its ePermitting system. Building permits for larger renovations are a separate step with Montgomery County. If your house is in the historic district, exterior changes such as a new outdoor gas line or meter relocation may need extra review, so ask before work starts.
Repair in place or replace a section?
A single leaking union or valve is usually a straightforward repair followed by a leak test. Where old steel pipe shows heavy rust, often near damp basement walls or floor drains, or where a run has been patched several times, replacing that section can be the cleaner fix. During a kitchen or basement renovation, it's worth having a plumber map the whole gas system, cap any dead branches properly and size the line for the appliances you plan to keep.
A local note
Washington Gas is the gas utility for Takoma Park. Anything at the street, the service line or the meter is theirs; everything past the meter belongs to the owner. Under Takoma Park's heavy tree canopy, roots can make digging for outdoor lines slower, which is worth factoring into a backyard project.
Gas Line Services questions in Takoma Park
What do plumbers tend to find in the gas piping of older homes?
How should a gas line be closed off when an appliance is removed?
Who issues the permit for gas piping work here?
What if the gas smell is outside, near the meter?
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