If a Derwood home smells of gas, leave first and then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from outside. For repairs after the meter, new range or dryer lines and tankless conversions, call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Derwood.
Derwood is an unincorporated community just north of Rockville and southeast of Gaithersburg, about 16 miles from downtown Washington, near the Shady Grove Metro and Lake Needwood. Its housing has a clear era: the median home was built in 1985, roughly two-thirds of units went up in the 1980s and only about 15% predate 1980. Gas piping in those houses is usually the original steel, now some 40 years old, with valves, connectors and joints that have seen several appliance swaps.
Steps to take now
- If there's a gas odor, get everyone outside. Leave lights and switches alone.
- Phone 911 and Washington Gas once you're clear of the house.
- Keep everyone out until the utility or fire department gives the go-ahead.
- Call for the repair on your side of the meter once it's safe.
- For an addition, note the input rating of the new appliance and the ones already in the house.
What you notice and what it usually means
| What you notice | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Faint smell in the utility room | Worn shutoff or loose union at the furnace or water heater |
| Range burners weak when the dryer is running | Original line sized only for the first appliances |
| Valve handle stiff or seized | Old gas cock that should be replaced |
| Rust spots on exposed basement pipe | Surface corrosion from damp or condensation |
| Water heater pilot that keeps going out | Thermocouple, draft or supply pressure problem |
Cost factors
- Replacing several aging valves and connectors at once versus one fitting
- Run length and route through finished basements or garages
- Upsizing for a tankless heater or larger range
- The WSSC Water gasfitting permit and inspection
- Patching drywall after concealed work
Because Derwood is unincorporated, there's no town permit step: WSSC Water handles gas and plumbing permits, and gas water heater, furnace and gas appliance replacements must be done by a WSSC-registered plumber or gasfitter. Montgomery County issues building permits when a larger remodel calls for one. When you reach a plumber through this page, mention the home's age and which appliances run on gas so the visit can be planned around any valves or connectors due for replacement.
Gas Line Services questions in Derwood
Should the flexible connector behind the range or dryer be replaced?
Can a plumber add a gas line for a range, dryer or fireplace?
Do homes with gas appliances need carbon monoxide alarms?
What if the gas smell is outside, near the meter?
More plumbing services in Derwood
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