Poolesville is not on WSSC Water: the Town runs its own well-supplied water system and wastewater plant, and some nearby properties use private wells. A plumber can find a hidden leak on either setup by isolating sections of the system. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Poolesville.
How Poolesville's water works
Poolesville is a small historic town in western Montgomery County, surrounded by the County's Agricultural Reserve. The Town draws its water from wells drilled 285 to 800 feet into the New Oxford Formation aquifer and adds chlorine for disinfection. Wastewater goes to the Town's own treatment plant on Beall Street. The County's water and sewer plan lists the area as served by "Town and onsite systems," so some properties in and around town have private wells.
What to do now
- Turn off all faucets, appliances and any irrigation.
- If you're on Town water, watch the meter; if you're on a well, watch the pressure gauge and listen for the pump.
- Close the indoor shutoff. Most Poolesville homes have one where the service line enters the house.
- If the meter still moves with that valve closed, the leak may be on the buried line outside.
- Town staff can turn off water at the street connection during business hours; after 4 p.m. and on weekends, a call-out fee applies.
- For a main break, a leak in the street or a sewer backup, call the Town's emergency numbers: 240-286-3389 or 240-286-3359.
Signs and what they usually point to
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Meter moves with the indoor valve closed | Leak on the buried service line |
| Well pump cycling with nothing on | Running toilet, check valve or a leak after the tank |
| Stained ceiling in a lower level | Supply or drain leak in the floor above |
| Water near the foundation in dry weather | Buried supply line or outdoor faucet |
| Hissing behind a wall at night | Pressurized supply pipe leaking |
Cost factors
- Town water versus a private well, which adds a pump, tank and well line to test
- How much of the house has to be checked before the source turns up
- Access: basement, crawlspace or finished walls
- The repair, from one fitting to a stretch of buried pipe
- Permits: the Town issues building and zoning permits, and WSSC Water handles plumbing and gasfitting permits
The Town says its system has no lead mains or lead service lines. Owners of properties listed as "unknown" on the service line inventory map can email a photo of the incoming line to Town Hall.
Leak Detection questions in Poolesville
Who do I call about water bubbling up near the meter or in the street?
Should I shut off the main valve while I wait for the plumber?
How do I look for a leak if the house is on a private well?
How can I find out what my water service line is made of?
More plumbing services in Poolesville
Leak Detection nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
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