Water Softener in Damascus, MD

Signs your Damascus home could use a softener

• White crust around faucet handles and drain rings
• Soap scum that's hard to rinse off tubs and tile
• A water heater that takes longer to recover than it used to
• Laundry that comes out stiff and dull
• Dishwasher film that rinse aid doesn't clear

Local conditions

Damascus grew up where MD 27, MD 108 and MD 124 meet, and its housing is older than most of upcounty Montgomery: about 35 percent of homes predate 1980 and another large share went up in the 1980s, for a median build year of 1984. In the core, WSSC Water provides water and sewer, and it runs a small local wastewater plant, the Damascus Water Resource Recovery Facility. WSSC water gets UV treatment at the filtration plants and chlorine in the mains.

Away from the core, Montgomery County's water and sewer categories matter. Some properties are designated for a private well and an onsite wastewater system rather than public service, so check your property's category if you aren't sure. On a well, test for hardness, iron, manganese and pH before buying anything, and plan with the plumber for where the softener's regeneration water will go.

What affects the price

• Public water versus a well with extra treatment needs
• Condition of 1970s and 1980s valves and pipe at the main
• Drain access for the brine line
• Single- or dual-tank equipment and its capacity
• Removal and disposal of an old unit

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in the Damascus area. Tell them whether you get a WSSC bill, how many people live in the house and what symptoms you've noticed. Plumbing permits here run through WSSC Water Permit Services, and the plumber will know when one applies to a softener tie-in. If an older softener is already in place, a photo of its label helps them judge whether parts are still available. If you're comparing a softener with simply descaling the water heater and fixtures from time to time, ask for both options; with moderate hardness, either can be a reasonable choice, and the plumber can explain the upkeep each one involves.