Leak Detection in Capitol Heights, MD

Signs of a hidden leak in Capitol Heights

• A WSSC bill that keeps rising while your use stays the same
• The meter's dial moving with all fixtures off
• Paint bubbling or a stain spreading on a wall or ceiling
• Dampness or a musty smell in the basement
• A toilet that runs or refills on its own
• Low pressure at one tap

Capitol Heights homes and water service

Capitol Heights is a small, older town on the DC line where Northeast and Southeast Washington meet. It began as a 1904 subdivision just beyond the District's eastern edge, and its median home was built in 1967. Many houses still have original or decades-old piping, so worn valves, corroded joints and leaky fittings are common, and leaks can hide behind basement walls or under floors.

Although the town touches the District, WSSC Water, not DC Water, provides water and sewer service, and WSSC's permit rules apply. Right at the line, confirm the utility on your bill. The Capitol Heights mailing name also covers surrounding unincorporated areas. WSSC owns the service line from the main to the property line, and the homeowner owns it from there into the home. Water in the street goes to WSSC at 301-206-4002.

What affects the cost

Costs depend on how easy the leak is to find and reach. A toilet or faucet leak is quick to diagnose. A leak inside a wall, under a floor or in the yard line takes more testing, and possibly listening or thermal equipment. In older homes, the plumber may recommend replacing a short section of corroded pipe instead of patching it. Service line repairs and repiping must be done by a plumber holding the proper WSSC license.

What happens when you call

Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent plumber who serves Capitol Heights. Describe what you've seen and what the meter does. On site, the plumber confirms the leak, narrows it down section by section and explains the repair before starting work. Plumbing permits, such as for a water heater replacement, come from WSSC Water, not the county or DC.