Plumbers in Gaithersburg, MD

From farm town to I-270 city

Gaithersburg was incorporated as a town in 1878 and became a city in 1968. It lies about 19 miles from downtown Washington in a straight line and counted 69,657 residents in the 2020 Census. Interstates 270 and 370, Frederick Avenue (MD 355) and MD 124 tie it together. Old Town grew up around the MARC station, Kentlands and DuFief came later, and the RIO Washingtonian Center and NIST are among its landmarks.

Newer housing than the inner suburbs

The median Gaithersburg home was built in 1989, younger than most places closer to the District. That tends to mean copper or plastic supply piping rather than galvanized steel, and fewer clay sewer laterals, but many homes are now on their second or third water heater and original fixtures, valves and garbage disposals are wearing out. Old Town has older buildings mixed in, so ask about pipe material if you are unsure.

Who provides the water

There is no city water system; WSSC Water owns the mains and posts its own Gaithersburg main repairs. Supply comes from the Potomac River and from the Patuxent River reservoirs, Triadelphia and Duckett. WSSC uses free chlorine in the distribution system and has added ultraviolet disinfection at its filtration plants. Its Emergency Service Center is 301-206-4002 and customer service is 301-206-4001. WSSC says it removed all known lead pipe from its distribution system and is cataloging service line materials, including on private property, on a public inventory map.

Two permit counters

WSSC Water is the inspection agency for plumbing and gasfitting in Montgomery County (Permit Services, 301-206-4003). Gas water heater, furnace and gas appliance replacements need a gasfitter holding a WSSC license, and repairs to the water or sewer service line need a plumber holding one. WSSC's homeowner permit route leaves out gas fitting, testable backflow devices, buried piping deeper than 4 feet and connections to WSSC service connections. The City of Gaithersburg's Planning and Code Administration (301-258-6330) issues building permits and wants WSSC's development approval first.

Backflow testing

Backflow assemblies on irrigation and similar systems must be tested every year by a cross-connection technician holding a WSSC license, and a registered principal master plumber sends the results to WSSC electronically. Questions go to the program line, 301-206-4004.

Gas emergencies

Washington Gas serves Montgomery County. If you smell gas, leave the building first; then call 911 and the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line, 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), option 1.

Calling

Give your neighborhood and a short description when you call. You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in Gaithersburg and agrees on price and timing with you.