4 services · Washington, D.C.
Drains & sewer in Washington, D.C.
Older parts of D.C. have combined sewers, and heavy summer storms can overwhelm them and back water up through rowhouse basement drains. DC Water's Clean Rivers tunnels have reduced overflows, but backups still happen in big storms.
- Licensed local plumbers
- The problem explained before work starts
- Price agreed before the job begins
Statewide conditions
Drains & sewer in Washington, D.C.: what to know
Rowhouses have long drain runs and old cast iron, and many renovated rowhouses have basement bathrooms below the sewer line that rely on sewage ejector pumps. The lateral to the main belongs to the owner.
A backwater valve, a clear lateral and a serviced ejector pump are the main protections. Permits come from the D.C. Department of Buildings.
- Climate
- Washington, D.C. gets periodic hard freezes and ice storms, often after mild spells, which catch exposed pipes off guard. Pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls and garages are the first to freeze.
- Typical foundations
- Much of the housing is older rowhouses and townhomes, many with basements and original cast-iron or galvanized plumbing. Most common: basements.
Drains & sewer services
Drain cleaning
If one fixture is slow, the clog is usually in that fixture's branch line. If several drains back up at once, or the basement floor drain fills when you run the washer, the main sewer line is blocked and needs a larger cable or a jetter.
Hydro jetting
Hydro jetting cleans the full width of a drain pipe with high-pressure water, washing out grease, scale and fine roots that a cable only punches a hole through. It works best on sound pipe and is usually done after a camera inspection confirms the pipe can take it.
Sewer camera inspection
A sewer camera inspection runs a waterproof camera through the line from your house to the city main and records what it finds: roots, cracks, sags, offset joints or collapsed pipe. It's the best way to decide between cleaning, spot repair and replacement.
Sewer line repair
A damaged sewer line can be fixed with a spot repair, a trenchless liner, pipe bursting or an open-trench replacement. Which one fits depends on what the camera shows, how deep the pipe is, and what's on top of it, such as a driveway, trees or landscaping.
Drains & sewer by city in Washington, D.C.
Local pages cover each city's water provider, permit office and housing. Not listed? Check your ZIP code below.
Drains & sewer questions in Washington, D.C.
Why do D.C. rowhouse basements back up in storms?
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
How these problems start and how to choose between repair options is covered in the drains & sewer guide.
More plumbing in Washington, D.C.
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