Water Heater Replacement in Suitland, MD

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Suitland?

Yes. Prince George's County's permitting office doesn't issue plumbing permits; WSSC Water does, and it inspects the finished work. Most like-for-like fixture swaps don't need a permit in the county, but water heaters are an exception. If the heater burns gas, WSSC also requires the work to be done by a qualified plumber or gasfitter, and homeowners may not do gasfitting at all. The plumber you hire applies through WSSC's online permit system.

Will an older Suitland home make the job bigger?

It might. Suitland grew fast after federal offices arrived during World War II, and the median home dates to about 1973. Plenty of houses still have original supply and drain piping. During a swap, a plumber may find a shutoff valve that won't close, corroded fittings at the top of the tank, or a vent that doesn't suit a newer heater. None of that is unusual, but each item adds time. Ask for those possibilities to be named in the quote.

What should I do if I smell gas near the heater?

Get everyone out of the house first. Then, from outside, call 911 and your gas utility's emergency line. Both Washington Gas and BGE serve parts of Prince George's County, so check your gas bill now for the right number and keep it handy. Don't flip switches or try to find the leak yourself. Some homes are all-electric and have no gas line at all; in that case an odd burning smell near an electric heater calls for switching off its breaker and calling a plumber.

How long will the swap take?

A matching tank in the same spot is usually installed the same day, with the inspection following under the permit. A switch to a different fuel, a larger tank that needs a new vent, or a tankless unit that needs a bigger gas line takes longer. Ask the plumber to walk you through the schedule before work starts.

One local note

WSSC Water supplies Suitland's water and sewer service and disinfects with chlorine. It also adds a corrosion inhibitor that coats pipes on customer property, which helps older plumbing. For a water main break or a sewer backup outside the house, WSSC's emergency line is 301-206-4002.