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Leak Detection in Silver Spring, MD
DIY leak checks
- Meter test: no water use for 30 minutes, then compare meter readings.
- Toilet dye test as above.
- Look for stains on ceilings under bathrooms and around the water heater base and the washer box.
When to call for professional leak detection
- Meter moves but you can't find water, which points to a leak in the service line or under the slab.
- Warm spots on the floor (hot-water line under slab).
- Persistent musty smell or a bubbling wall.
Frequently asked questions
Who fixes a leak between the meter and my house?
In WSSC Water's area, the service line on your side of the property line is generally the owner's responsibility. Repairs to underground lines must be done by a registered master plumber under a WSSC permit.
Can I get a WSSC bill adjustment for a leak?
Often, yes. An underground leak repaired under a WSSC permit by a WSSC-registered plumber can get up to six months of excess water and sewer charges removed. A burst pipe, crawl-space or hose-bib leak whose water never reached a drain can get the excess sewer charges removed with a plumber's receipt or an affidavit. An unexplained bill at least three times your usage a year earlier can qualify for a 50% high-bill adjustment once usage returns to normal. See our WSSC high bill and leak adjustment guide.
What should I ask a leak detection plumber to give me?
A written invoice that says what leaked, where, and the repair date. If it was an underground service line, ask for the WSSC permit number too. WSSC asks for those details when you request an adjustment.