Sewer Line Repair in Poolesville, MD

Poolesville is a small historic town in western Montgomery County, surrounded by the county's Agricultural Reserve and about 26 miles from downtown Washington. The Town operates its own sewer collection system and an enhanced nutrient removal treatment plant on Beall Street, which also treats sewage from the nearby WSSC service areas of Jonesville and Jerusalem. The county's plan lists Poolesville's sewer as Town and onsite systems, so not every nearby property is connected. The median home was built around 1985, though the historic district holds much older houses where clay or cast iron laterals are more likely.

What to do now

1. Stop using water in the house so nothing more flows toward the blockage.
2. Check the street. For a sewer backup, water main break or leak on the public side, the Town lists emergency numbers 240-286-3389 and 240-286-3359.
3. If only your house is affected, keep everyone away from the overflowing drain.
4. If your property is on a private onsite system, mention it when you call.
5. Find the cleanout and clear a path to it and to the lowest drains.
6. Call the number on this page to reach a plumber who can clear and inspect the line.

Symptoms and likely causes

Cost factors

• Pipe material, depth and length of the damaged run
• Older historic-district lots with walls, walks and mature trees over the line
• Repair method: point repair, liner or new section
• Permits: the Town Hall (301-428-8927) issues building, zoning and utility construction permits, and WSSC Water is the plumbing inspection agency for Montgomery County; the plumber confirms which apply
• Restoring lawn or hardscape afterward

Because the Town, not WSSC, owns the public sewer here, ask the plumber to confirm where the Town's connection sits on your street before planning any digging.