Tankless Water Heater in Poolesville, MD

The Town of Poolesville draws its water from municipal wells, 285 to 800 feet deep in the New Oxford Formation aquifer, and adds chlorine as the disinfectant. The county's plan lists Poolesville service as Town and onsite systems, so some properties in and around town have private wells. The Town's water quality report says the system has no lead mains or lead service lines. Natural gas in town comes from Washington Gas, and the median home was built around 1985.

What to do now

1. Confirm your water source. A Town water bill means municipal wells; no bill usually means a private well.
2. Check the Town's water quality report for hardness and mineral levels before choosing a softener or filter.
3. Note your fuel. Washington Gas, propane or all-electric each changes the install.
4. If a tankless unit is leaking, close the cold water valve under it and turn off its gas valve.
5. Main break or sewer backup? The Town lists emergency numbers 240-286-3389 and 240-286-3359, and staff can close the valve at the street connection.
6. Smell gas? Leave first. From outside, call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.

Symptom and likely cause

Cost factors

• Sediment filtration or treatment for well water
• Gas line size from the meter or propane tank
• Vent route to an exterior wall
• Permits: the Town of Poolesville handles building and zoning permits at Town Hall, while plumbing and gasfitting permits come from WSSC Water, the inspection agency for that work in Montgomery County

Older homes in the historic district can take more work for venting and piping than the newer subdivisions around town, so a site visit gives the clearest price. Ask the plumber to mount the unit where the isolation valves are easy to reach, because a groundwater supply makes the yearly flush one chore worth keeping simple.