Plumbing Inspection in Capitol Heights, MD

Reasons people book an inspection

• A purchase with a short contingency period
• Weak pressure or water that runs brown for a few seconds
• A main drain that keeps clogging
• An old gas water heater or furnace
• Plans for a basement apartment or added bath

Capitol Heights specifics

Capitol Heights began as a 1904 subdivision just beyond the District's eastern edge, where Northeast and Southeast Washington meet, and it's served by the Blue Line's Capitol Heights station. The median home was built around 1967, with older houses in the original town. The Capitol Heights mailing address also covers surrounding unincorporated areas. For a house of this age, the plumber looks at galvanized supply lines, cast iron drains, original shutoffs and the sewer lateral.

WSSC Water supplies water and wastewater, not DC Water, so check by address right at the DC line. WSSC owns the service line from the main to the property line and the customer owns the rest. WSSC says it removed all known lead pipe from its distribution system in the early 2000s, and its What's Your Pipe Type? program and map at wsscwater.com/LCR-map identify customer-side materials, with some galvanized lines needing replacement. WSSC disinfects with chlorine and adds a corrosion inhibitor that coats pipes inside the home.

Repairs need a WSSC Water permit; Prince George's County DPIE issues no plumbing permits, and the county says water heater replacements need one. Because Capitol Heights is a municipality, building permits for larger work may involve both the town and the county.

What affects the cost

• Size of the home and number of bathrooms
• Camera inspection of the lateral
• Gas appliances and venting to review
• Access to piping in finished basements

When you call

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who serves Capitol Heights. Mention the build year, any recent repairs and your deadline. Gas work must be done by a gasfitter holding a WSSC license. Washington Gas generally serves the area, though BGE serves some Prince George's addresses. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 and 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, or the utility on your bill.