Water Heater Replacement in Fort Washington, MD

If your Fort Washington water heater is leaking or can't hold temperature, a replacement is usually the most reliable fix. Prince George's County leaves plumbing permits to WSSC Water, and gas water heaters must be put in by a qualified plumber or gasfitter. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Fort Washington.

Fort Washington at a glance

Fort Washington was largely rural until about 1960 and is now a suburb of riverfront homes, larger lots and subdivisions off Route 210. The median home dates to about 1980, so many original heaters have been replaced at least once and the next swap is often straightforward. WSSC Water supplies water and sewer service and adds orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor that coats the inside of pipes, including household plumbing.

Larger houses along the river and in subdivisions such as Tantallon often have finished basements, so a leaking tank can do real damage before anyone notices. A drain pan piped to a floor drain, or a leak sensor near the heater, is worth asking about when you replace. Homes with two or more full bathrooms may also be better served by a larger tank or a tankless unit than by a straight match.

What to do now

Close the cold water valve above the heater if the tank is leaking.
Turn the gas control knob to off, or switch off the breaker for an electric unit.
If there's any gas odor, leave the house instead. From outside, call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), option 1; BGE customers call BGE.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve only if you can run it to a floor drain or outside.
Note the size, fuel and age on the label for the plumber.
For a water or sewer problem outside the house, call WSSC at 301-206-4002.

Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Fort Washington.

(202) 915-7612

Signs and what they point to

Symptom	Likely cause
Steady leak from the tank body	Corroded inner tank; replacement needed
Lukewarm water only	Failed element, thermostat or burner problem
Knocking during heating	Built-up sediment
Rotten-egg smell from hot water	Anode rod reacting with the water
Water around the relief valve outlet	Pressure or temperature too high, or a worn valve

Cost factors

Type of heater: standard tank, high-efficiency, tankless or heat pump
Venting and gas connector changes for the new unit
Code items such as an expansion tank, pan or relief line extension
Location: a finished basement or crawlspace takes more care than a garage
WSSC permit, inspection and disposal of the old heater

Water Heater Replacement questions in Fort Washington

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater here?

Yes. In Prince George's County, all plumbing permits come from WSSC Water, and water heater replacements need one.

Will the new heater need an expansion tank or a drain pan?

Many installs need an expansion tank, and a pan with a drain line is smart wherever a leak could damage finished space. The plumber will tell you what applies.

How long will the house be without hot water?

A matching tank in the same spot is usually installed in a day. A fuel change or new venting takes longer.

How should I look after the new water heater?

Flush a few gallons each year, test the relief valve, and have the anode rod checked periodically.