Water Line Repair in Kensington, MD

Why do service lines fail in Kensington homes?

Kensington grew from a summer retreat into a commuter suburb, and its southern core is a largely intact Victorian-era layout listed as the Kensington Historic District. With a median build year of 1959 across the town, many homes still have older original plumbing, including the line that runs from the street to the house. Galvanized steel corrodes inside until flow drops, and older copper and its joints can develop pinholes or weep at the foundation. Mature trees and old walks on many lots add stress and make the route harder to reach.

What about lead, and is there help with the cost?

WSSC Water runs a lead service line program under the federal Lead and Copper Rule. It includes an address-searchable map showing known or reported pipe material, including the customer side, a customer survey to verify the pipe type, and a Service Line Replacement Program with replacement planning and financial assistance. If your line shows as lead, galvanized or unknown, check with WSSC before you commit to a repair, since replacing the whole line may qualify for help.

Which permits and approvals apply?

WSSC Water issues plumbing and service connection permits and inspects the work. The Town of Kensington also has its own forms for home construction projects; if the job involves more than the line itself, such as rebuilding a front walk or wall, call Town Hall at 301-949-2424. Keep in mind that the 20895 "Kensington" postal area is much larger than the town, so addresses outside town limits deal only with the county agencies and WSSC.

On the day of the job, the plumber confirms the leak with a meter test, traces the line and exposes the damaged section. In older yards, pulling new pipe between two pits often avoids cutting tree roots or lifting historic walkways.

One more Kensington note

If a water emergency involves the street, sidewalk or meter area, call WSSC Water's emergency line at 301-206-4002. WSSC handles water or sewer problems on its side; anything inside your property is for your plumber. Keep a recent WSSC bill nearby when you call, since it confirms the account and helps sort out whose side a leak is on.