Leak Detection in Brandywine, MD

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who covers Brandywine. Tell them whether you're on public water or a private well, how old the house is, and what you've noticed: a rising bill, a pump that won't rest, a stain or a wet spot in the yard. The plumber will start with a meter or pressure-gauge test to confirm water is escaping, then shut off sections of the system one at a time. Acoustic listening, thermal imaging and pressure testing can narrow the search before anything is cut or dug.

What affects cost

Finding a leak at a toilet or under a sink takes little time. Locating one on a buried line from the meter or well to the house, or inside a finished basement, takes more time and equipment. Rural properties with long runs of pipe can add to the search. The repair is a separate cost, and whether it's a fitting, a section of pipe or the yard line makes a big difference.

Brandywine conditions

Brandywine is in the rural tier of southern Prince George's County, about 17 miles from downtown Washington, with a suburban and commercial center along US 301 and MD 5. Growth has been fast: more than half of its housing has gone up since 2010, alongside a pocket of 1950s and 1960s homes. In the new houses, leaks usually come from fittings, appliance hookups, toilet parts or work disturbed during construction. In the older homes, aging pipe and valves are more likely.

Water service varies by address. WSSC Water serves the public system areas, and Prince George's County's water and sewer plan says rural areas get water from individual wells. The 20613 ZIP code also reaches into Charles County, outside WSSC territory, so check your bill. WSSC owns the line from the main to the property line, and the homeowner owns the rest. WSSC's emergency line is 301-206-4002.

Quick checklist before the plumber arrives

• Shut off the main or the well pump's breaker if water is causing damage
• Record the meter or pressure gauge reading
• Turn off the irrigation system
• Clear access to the water heater, pressure tank and under-sink areas
• Note when you first noticed the problem