Emergency Plumber in Laurel, MD

Laurel's utilities at a glance

The City of Laurel lists WSSC Water as its water and sewer provider, and WSSC's emergency line is 301-206-4002 for main breaks, low pressure across the street or overflowing manholes. Gas is different here than in most of Prince George's County: the City's own resources list Baltimore Gas and Electric. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, then call BGE at 877.778.7798 or 911. The Laurel mailing address also covers areas outside the city, some in Howard and Anne Arundel counties, so check your bills if you live in West Laurel, North Laurel or Maryland City.

The City issues building permits but doesn't review or inspect plumbing work; plumbing permits go straight to WSSC Water, and a water heater replacement needs one. The median home in the city was built in 1984, so newer townhouses around Laurel Lakes sit alongside older houses near the historic Main Street district.

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Signs something has failed

• A sudden drop in pressure at every tap, or the meter spinning with everything off
• Gurgling toilets when the washer drains
• Wet drywall at the bottom of a wall that backs onto a bathroom
• Rusty water and popping sounds from an aging tank

Seasonal notes

Winter brings frozen pipes in exterior walls, unheated garages and crawlspaces, and hose bibs left connected to a hose. Disconnect hoses in fall and know where the main is before the first hard freeze. Summer thunderstorms can overload basement drains and sump pumps, especially in homes near the Patuxent River lowlands. When a storm is coming, check that the sump pump runs and that its discharge line is clear.