Poolesville is not WSSC Water territory: the Town runs its own well-supplied water system, and some properties in and around town have private wells. A leak in the buried line to your house can be repaired either way, and the Town can shut the valve at the street if needed. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Poolesville.
Poolesville is a small historic town in western Montgomery County, surrounded by the County's Agricultural Reserve. The Town pumps its water from wells 285 to 800 feet deep in the New Oxford Formation aquifer, disinfects it with chlorine and runs its own sewer system and treatment plant. The County's water and sewer plan lists the area as "Town and onsite systems," so homes just outside the core may be on private wells. The median house was built in 1985, which puts many service lines near the 40-year mark.
What to do now
- Close the indoor shutoff; the Town says most homes have one where the service line enters.
- If that valve will not close, Town staff can turn off the connection at the street during business hours, with a call-out fee after 4 p.m. and on weekends.
- For a main break or water running in the street, call the Town's emergency numbers, 240-286-3389 or 240-286-3359.
- On a private well, switch off the pump at its breaker if the line has burst.
- Note where the ground is wet and how long it has been that way.
Signs and probable causes
| What you notice | Probable cause |
|---|---|
| Bill climbing with normal use | Slow leak on the buried line past the meter |
| Pump kicking on with every tap closed | Leak between the well and the house |
| Water pooling at the foundation in dry weather | Failed joint where the line enters |
| Spitting faucets and low flow everywhere | Break or blockage along the supply pipe |
| Muddy trench line after a frost | Pipe cracked by freezing near the surface |
What affects the cost
- Town water versus a private well line, which may run a long way across the property
- One section repaired or the whole run replaced
- Old trees, brick walks and outbuildings along the route, common in the historic district
- Access at the point where the pipe enters the house
- Permits: the Town issues building, zoning and utility construction permits, and WSSC Water handles plumbing permits and inspections in Montgomery County
The Town's water quality report says its system has no lead mains or service lines. If your property is listed as "unknown" on the Town's service line inventory map, you can email Town Hall a photo of the incoming pipe; general questions go to 301-428-8927.
Water Line Repair questions in Poolesville
Should I call the water utility or a plumber first?
What should I do first if the line breaks and water is pouring out?
How do I find out whether my service line is lead or galvanized?
My house is on a private well. Does water line repair still apply?
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