Commercial Plumbing in Arlington, VA

Warning signs at an Arlington business

• A County backflow inspection on the calendar and no test done on the device yet
• Kitchen floor drains still holding water after the dinner rush
• Scale crusting dish machine rinse arms, ice makers or espresso equipment
• A flush valve that won't shut off, or a urinal that runs all night
• Discolored water at the first draw in an older office or apartment building
• Water showing up in a garage level, mechanical room or ceiling tile

Arlington's water, sewer and backflow rules for businesses

Arlington is a county with no separate city government, so the County's Department of Environmental Services handles both water and sewer through its Water, Sewer, Streets Bureau, and wastewater goes to the County's Water Pollution Control Plant. Most of the supply is Potomac River water treated by the Washington Aqueduct at the Dalecarlia plant; the Willston pressure zone receives water bought from Fairfax Water. The County lists hardness at 8 grains per gallon (142 mg/L), enough to coat commercial water heaters and food-service equipment over the years. Chloramine is the normal disinfectant, with a switch to chlorine for about six weeks each spring while mains are flushed.

The Cross Connection Control Program is the rule most owners notice. Restaurants and commercial buildings must have backflow devices, and the County inspects them annually. The device should be tested by a qualified Virginia backflow professional before that inspection, and any permit that includes a backflow device closes with a final cross-connection inspection. Plumbing, gas and water heater permits run through Permit Arlington, the County's online portal. The County owns the pipe from the main to the meter, meter box included; from the meter into the building it belongs to the owner.

Gas comes from Washington Gas. If anyone smells gas, get people out, then call 911 and 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from outside. Water main breaks and water appearing where it shouldn't go to the County's 24-hour line, 703-228-6555.

What drives the cost

• Building type: a ground-floor restaurant on the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is a different job from a garden apartment complex
• Whether a backflow device passes on retest or needs parts or a new assembly
• Access through finished ceilings, tight mechanical rooms or parking structures
• Night or weekend scheduling to keep tenants and customers undisturbed
• County permit and inspection steps
• Camera work or leak locating before anything is opened

What happens when you call

Describe the property, the problem and whether you can stay open. You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who takes commercial work in Arlington, whether that's a Clarendon office suite, a shop near Pentagon City or an older building in Cherrydale. Ask how the visit is priced and what the first trip covers before work begins.