Water Heater Replacement in Damascus, MD

Signs your heater is finished

• A slow leak or rust stain at the base of the tank
• Hot water that runs out well before it used to
• Rumbling or knocking as the heater warms up
• Discolored or metallic-smelling hot water
• Corrosion on the fittings at the top of the tank
• Repeated repairs on a unit past about ten years old

Local conditions in Damascus

Damascus grew up where Routes 27, 108 and 124 meet, surrounded by family farms and equestrian land. About 35 percent of homes were built before 1980 and another 37 percent in the 1980s, so housing here is older than in much of the upcounty, and many heaters sit in basements with valves and vent connectors from earlier installs.

The core of town is on WSSC Water, and WSSC runs a small local wastewater plant, the Damascus Water Resource Recovery Facility. Montgomery County assigns every property a water and sewer category, though, and some lots outside the core are set up for private wells and private onsite wastewater systems. Well water can bring sediment into a tank, so a filter is sometimes worth adding during the swap.

Washington Gas serves the area, but some rural properties have no gas main and run on propane or electricity. WSSC issues permits for and inspects both natural gas and LP gas installations, so a propane heater swap also needs a WSSC permit and a gasfitter holding a WSSC license.

What affects the cost

• Fuel type (natural gas, propane or electric) and tank capacity
• Efficiency upgrades such as tankless, heat pump or high-efficiency gas
• Vent, gas connector or electrical changes needed for the new unit
• The WSSC permit and inspection
• Basement access and removal of the old tank
• A sediment filter or other add-ons for well-supplied homes

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who covers Damascus. Mention the fuel, the size on the label and whether the home is on public water or a well. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from outside; propane customers call 911 and their propane supplier. Ask for a written quote showing the model, permit, any code updates and disposal.