In Silver Spring, a water heater that stops heating, runs out quickly or starts dripping usually has a fixable fault in the burner, elements, thermostat or valves. A tank that is seeping through its own shell is the exception and has to be replaced. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Silver Spring.
Silver Spring sits right on the District line, and much of it is older housing inside the Beltway; census-based figures put the median home around 1964. Plenty of heaters here sit in basements of postwar houses, near floor drains that may or may not still work, so a slow leak can go unnoticed for a while. WSSC Water supplies water and sewer, disinfects with free chlorine rather than chloramine, and adds orthophosphate at both of its plants to coat the inside of pipes, including household plumbing. Keep in mind that the Silver Spring mailing area is much bigger than the census-designated place itself and takes in places such as Wheaton and Four Corners.
What to do now
- If water is pooling, close the cold-water valve on the pipe that feeds the heater.
- For an electric unit, switch off its breaker. For gas, turn the control knob to off or pilot.
- Smell gas? Skip everything else. Get everyone outside, then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), selecting option 1.
- Check the floor drain near the heater is clear so any leak has somewhere to go.
- Take a photo of the rating label so the plumber knows the size, fuel and age.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water from a gas heater | Pilot out, worn thermocouple, faulty gas control |
| No hot water from an electric heater | Tripped high-limit reset, burned-out element |
| Hot water fades halfway through a shower | Sediment build-up, broken dip tube, one failed element |
| Steady drip from the discharge pipe | Worn relief valve or pressure that is too high |
| Rust-colored hot water | Spent anode rod or corrosion inside the tank |
| Water on the basement floor | Loose fitting, leaking drain valve or a failed tank |
Cost factors
The biggest variable is which part failed; gas control valves cost more than thermostats or elements. Older Silver Spring basements can add time if the heater is boxed in, the drain valve is seized, or the venting needs attention. If the plumber finds the tank itself leaking, the job becomes a replacement, and in Montgomery County a gas water heater replacement needs a WSSC Water permit and a plumber or gasfitter registered with WSSC. Ask for a look at the anode rod during any repair, since it largely decides how long the tank will last.
Water Heater Repair questions in Silver Spring
What should I do if I smell gas near the water heater?
Does a basement water heater need a drain pan?
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
Can I replace a gas water heater myself in Montgomery County?
More plumbing services in Silver Spring
Water Heater Repair nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: