5 services · Washington, D.C.
Leaks, pipes & freezing in Washington, D.C.
Much of Washington, D.C.'s housing is older rowhouses and townhomes, many with original galvanized supply and aging service lines, and DC Water runs a program to replace lead service lines.
- Licensed local plumbers
- The problem explained before work starts
- Price agreed before the job begins
Statewide conditions
Leaks, pipes & freezing in Washington, D.C.: what to know
Winter cold snaps freeze pipes in rear additions and exterior walls, which are common in D.C. rowhouses. When a lead service line is replaced, interior galvanized or lead-soldered pipe often remains, and replacing it at the same time gets the full benefit.
Plumbing permits are issued by the D.C. Department of Buildings, and work in public space, like a service line under the sidewalk, needs separate approval.
- 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.
Leaks, pipes & freezing services
Burst pipe repair
Turn off the main water shutoff first, then open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the lines. A plumber cuts out the split section, replaces it, and checks the rest of that pipe run, because one freeze rarely damages only one spot.
Frozen pipe thawing
If a faucet gives no water or only a trickle after a hard freeze, a pipe is frozen. Leave that faucet open, warm the area gently, and call a plumber if you can't find the frozen section or if it's inside a wall, because a split pipe will leak as soon as it thaws.
Leak detection
Turn off every fixture and watch the water meter's leak indicator. If it moves, water is leaking somewhere. A plumber uses pressure tests, acoustic listening and thermal imaging to find the leak so only a small section of wall or floor has to be opened.
Repiping
Repiping replaces a home's water supply lines, usually because old galvanized steel has corroded or polybutylene is at risk of failing. Most repipes today use PEX, take two to five days, and are done through small wall openings rather than gutting the house.
Water line repair
The water service line runs from the curb stop near the street to your house, buried below the frost line. A leak shows up as a soggy patch in the yard, low pressure throughout the house, or a meter that never stops. Repair means finding the leak, then fixing that spot or replacing the line.
Leaks, pipes & freezing 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.
Leaks, pipes & freezing questions in Washington, D.C.
Does DC Water replace lead service lines?
Should I turn off the water if a pipe bursts?
How these problems start and how to choose between repair options is covered in the leaks, pipes & freezing guide.
More plumbing in Washington, D.C.
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