Plumbing Services in Washington, DC

Plumbing in Washington at a glanceWashington’s historic rowhouses give the city its character and its plumbing challenges. Many were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s with cast iron stacks, galvanized supply lines and lead service lines. DC Water maintains a service line inventory and runs programs to replace lead service lines across the District, which affects how and when homeowners replace their own lines.

Older parts of the city are served by combined sewers, and DC Water’s Clean Rivers tunnel program was built to reduce overflows. Rowhouse basements — often converted into English basement apartments — are vulnerable to backups when intense storms fill the system.

Bathroom with blue vanity, tub and tiled shower

Housing & construction

Victorian and early 20th-century rowhouses in Capitol Hill, Shaw, Columbia Heights and Logan Circle; detached homes in upper Northwest; apartment and condo buildings citywide.

Plumbing services in Washington

New blue water main pipe and valves exposed in an excavated trench

Water Line Repair in Washington

DC Water inventory and programs

Washington water line repair →

Utility crew excavating a street to reach a broken water line

Sewer Line Repair in Washington

Street tree roots

Washington sewer line repair →

Drain Cleaning in Washington

Multi-level stacks

Washington drain cleaning →

Wrench tightening a fitting on metal piping

Pipe Repair in Washington

Galvanized supply

Washington pipe repair →

Common plumbing problems in Washington

Sewer Backup in WashingtonCombined sewer surcharge

What makes Washington plumbing different

Lead service line replacement

DC Water runs programs to replace lead service lines; checking the inventory and program status comes before private work.

Combined sewers

Older neighborhoods drain to combined sewers that can surcharge during storms.

English basements

Basement apartments add bathrooms and kitchens below street level, increasing backup risk and the need for ejector pumps or backwater valves.

Seasonal plumbing calendar for Washington

Summer thunderstormsCheck backwater valves and basement drains before storm season.
Winter cold snapsProtect pipes in rear additions and unheated spaces.

Plumbing emergency in Washington?

Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.

Call (866) 417-0220

Washington plumbing questions

Does DC Water replace lead service lines?

DC Water runs lead service line replacement programs. Check the service line map for your address and current program options.

Why does my English basement drain back up?

Basement fixtures sit below street level. A clogged lateral or surcharged combined sewer pushes water out of the lowest drains first; backwater valves help.

Who owns the sewer lateral in DC?

Property owners are generally responsible for the private portion of the sewer lateral; DC Water maintains public sewers.

Nearby service areas

We also serve communities around Washington, including Arlington, Alexandria, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Takoma Park, Hyattsville.

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