Commercial Plumbing in Damascus, MD

Signs that need a plumber

• Restroom or kitchen drains backing up after a busy weekend
• A barn, stable or shop hydrant that won't shut off cleanly
• A water heater leaking at the base or running out of hot water early
• Low pressure or a pump cycling often on a well-served property
• An irrigation or fire sprinkler backflow device that failed its test
• A propane or natural gas appliance that needs replacing

Local conditions in Damascus

Damascus is a small, historically rural community in upper Montgomery County where MD 27, MD 108 and MD 124 meet, surrounded by family farms and equestrian centers. Most homes date from the 1970s through the 1990s; about 35% were built before 1980 and another 37% in the 1980s, an older mix than most of upcounty. The commercial core of shops, restaurants and offices sits on WSSC Water, and WSSC operates the Damascus Water Resource Recovery Facility, which discharges to Magruder Branch.

Montgomery County gives each parcel a water and sewer category, and properties outside the sewer categories rely on private onsite wastewater systems. Ask the county or check the property records before assuming a farm store or stable is connected. For connected buildings, WSSC is responsible for the service line from the main to the property line, and the owner takes it from there into the building.

WSSC Water Permit Services (301-206-4003) issues permits for plumbing and for every natural gas or LP gas installation, so a propane water heater swap needs a permit and a qualified gasfitter just like a natural gas one. Testable backflow assemblies need a yearly test by a certified cross-connection technician, and dual check valves are rebuilt or replaced every five years.

What affects the cost

• Distance between buildings on a large property
• Whether the job involves a well pump, pressure tank or the line to an onsite system
• Gas type and venting for heaters and appliances
• Permits and the inspection that follows
• Digging through pasture, gravel or paving

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who takes commercial and farm calls around Damascus. Describe the building and what failed, and say whether the property is on WSSC service or on its own well. If anyone smells natural gas, leave and call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1. On a propane system, leave and call 911 and your propane supplier.