If a pipe bursts in Laurel, close the main shutoff first and stay clear of wet outlets until the power is off. A plumber can then cut out the damaged section, fit new pipe and check nearby joints before the water is turned back on. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Laurel.
What to know about Laurel's water and permits
The City of Laurel points residents to WSSC Water for water and sewer service, and WSSC's emergency line, 301-206-4002, is the number for a break in the street or at the meter. The Laurel postal area is larger than the city, though, and stretches into unincorporated West Laurel and South Laurel and across county lines into Howard and Anne Arundel counties, where the utility may differ. Check your water bill if you're not sure.
The city issues building permits through its Fire Marshal and Permit Services office, but it does not review or inspect plumbing. Plumbing permits go straight to WSSC Water, and in Prince George's County, water and sewer service line repairs and gas water heater replacements must be done by a plumber or gasfitter holding a WSSC license. Laurel's median home was built in 1984, and the older streets near Main Street have houses well past that age.
Laurel is one of the few places in this area where BGE supplies natural gas. If you smell gas while dealing with the leak, leave the house and call BGE at 877.778.7798 or 911 once you're outside.
Spot repair or a larger fix?
| What failed | Usual repair | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One frozen split in a basement or crawlspace run | Cut out and splice in new pipe | Quick if the pipe on either side is sound |
| Burst washer, toilet or sink supply hose | Replace the connector and valve | Rubber and braided hoses wear out with age |
| Hose bib split inside the wall | Replace with a frost-free sillcock | Moves the valve seat inside the heated space |
| Repeated leaks along old galvanized or thin copper | Replace the run | Patching weak pipe tends to move the problem |
| Break between the property line and the house | Excavate and repair or replace the line | That section is the owner's responsibility |
Signs the problem is a burst pipe
- Water appearing on a ceiling or wall faster than a slow leak would
- A sudden loss of pressure across the house
- A pipe that was frozen now hissing or spraying after the thaw
- Water around the main valve or where the line enters the foundation
Cold-weather notes
Most Laurel breaks show up during or right after a run of freezing nights. Pipes along exterior walls, in garages and above crawlspaces are the usual suspects, and the damage often appears only when the ice thaws and water flows again. Disconnect hoses before winter, keep the heat steady when you travel and open sink cabinets on outside walls on the coldest nights.
Burst Pipe Repair questions in Laurel
What if I smell gas while dealing with the leak?
Does repairing a burst pipe need a permit?
How do I know which water utility serves my address?
Can an outdoor spigot burst inside the wall?
More plumbing services in Laurel
Burst Pipe Repair nearby
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