Inspection Services

• Inspection Services Staff
• Homeowner Information
• Requesting Plumbing and Gas Inspections
• Emergency Inspections
• Special Note to Homeowners
• Plumbing Work by Homeowners

Inspection Services Staff

Shawn Cooper:  301-206-4004
Debra Johnson: 301-206-4004
Deborah Hawthorne:  301-206-4004
Rhoshon Lockhart:  301-206-4004
Luis E. Tapia: 301-206-4004
Inspection Services Supervisor:  301-206-8526

*Inspectors are assigned to four different depot offices. They are in their offices between 6:45 - 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Depots & Inspectors

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Homeowner Information

WSSC Water Plumbing and Gasfitting Regulations (Code) require that a WSSC Water licensed plumber/gasfitter perform most major plumbing projects within Prince George's or Montgomery Counties. This requirement is in place to protect you the homeowner. The WSSC Water works to ensure that installations meet minimum Code requirements for safety, durability, and longevity. Examples of work that must be performed by a WSSC Water licensee are construction of a new home; water/sewer service line repairs and replacements; interior re-pipes; all gas work such as furnace replacements and gas water heater replacements. The best way to find a reputable plumber is by word-of-mouth. Once you have selected a plumber, he/she should provide you with their WSSC Water license number. To verify their license status, you may call WSSC Water's Licensing Office, at (301) 206-8588. A few words of advice:

ALWAYS INQUIRE BEFORE YOU HIRE 

GET A CONTRACT IN WRITING OR YOU MAY BE FIGHTING

MAKE THEM FINISH HALF-WAY BEFORE YOU PAY

To schedule a WSSC Water inspection for work performed under a short-form permit, you will need to obtain the short-form permit from the plumber, and follow the instructions on the back of the short-form permit.

 
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Emergency Inspections

Requests for an emergency gas or plumbing inspection (after-hours, weekends, holidays), will be considered only after prior request and approval by Regulatory Services supervisory staff. Examples of emergencies include gas repairs in multi-family complexes where occupants are without heat, hot water, or cooking facilities; water service repairs in freezing weather; and repairs to deep water/sewer piping in areas where job site conditions pose an imminent threat to public safety.

The most common emergency occurs after an apartment fire. In this situation, the gas utility removes the gas meter to ensure safety. Prior to restoring service, all gas piping must be pressure tested in accordance with Code requirements. In addition, any major health/safety items must be brought up to Code at this time. Typical items include appliance gas cocks, deteriorated vents, and flex-connectors. Each building address requires one short form permit at the time of inspection.

The procedure for requesting an emergency inspection is as follows:

This call must be made as soon as your company has been contracted to perform the work. You must provide the job name and location; permit number; contact person and phone numbers; and the estimated time/date that the emergency inspection will be required. The permit must be on the job site at the time of inspection.

The second call is placed when the work is ready for inspection. The Plumbing Inspector will be dispatched on this call. As a general rule, the Plumbing Inspector will not be dispatched between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Emergency Inspection Phone Numbers:

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Special Note to Homeowners

• WSSC Water is the inspection agency for gasfitting and plumbing work in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. This permit and inspection is for your protection and is required by Code. In accordance with Code, your plumber/gasfitter is required to provide a warranty from the date of final inspection approval as follows: One year inside buildings or above grade; and three years below grade. 
• In general, the plumber/gasfitter does not have to be present during the inspection. However, inspection staff must be escorted by the homeowner or the homeowner's representative for inside and backyard inspections. Inspectors will not enter yards or homes where dogs/animals are unattended. 
• On May 1st of 2007 WSSC Water adopted the International Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes. Subsequently residential permits issued after that date require a testable backflow assembly for the fire sprinkler system. The assembly was tested at installation and a WSSC Water test tag with the date it was tested was attached. By code, this backflow assembly must be tested annually. Also permits issued for sub-meters with backflow preventers for lawn irrigation systems require an annual test. It is recommended that this assembly is tested in the spring before operating the irrigation system. All testable backflow preventers must be tested annually to ensure the safety of the potable drinking water in your home. For further information or assistance, please contact the Cross Connection Control office in either Montgomery County ( 301) 206-7932 or Prince George’s County (301) 206-8601.

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Plumbing Work by Homeowners

106.11 Work by Homeowners. Homeowners may perform the following plumbing work in their own residential unit as provided in this Section.

106.11.1 Work Not Requiring Permits. A homeowner may perform classes of plumbing work that do not require a permit as set forth in Section 106.2.

106.11.2 Work Allowed Under a Homeowner Permit. A homeowner may perform most classes of work normally performed by a plumber, except those items set forth in Section 106.11.5, provided that the conditions for a homeowner permit have been satisfied in accordance with Sections 106.11.3 and 106.11.4.

106.11.3 Conditions for a Homeowner Permit

106.11.3.1 Building Type. The premises shall be a Group R-3 occupancy (single family detached house or an attached row style house).

106.11.3.2 Separate Services. Building water and building sewer services shall be provided by separate Commission service connections, i.e. not shared with or serving any other property, or shall be provided by private well and/or septic systems.

106.11.3.3 Ownership. The applicant shall provide proof, such as property records, that the applicant is the bona fide owner of the premises. The applicant shall sign an affidavit indicating that they are the bona fide owner and occupant of the premises; and that the premises is not being built or remodeled for sale or for rent. The affidavit shall state that all work shall be performed by the applicant in strict compliance with this Code and approved drawings including: All inspections, tests, re-inspections when required due to failed inspections, re-inspection fees, and other administrative requirements normally required of licensed plumbers.

106.11.4 Additional Applicant Requirements

106.11.4.1 Codebook. Depending on type of work to be performed, the applicant shall be required to purchase a copy of the WSSC Water Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code and/or the applicable model code.

106.11.4.2 Written Test. The applicant shall be required to pass a written test appropriate to the proposed plumbing work. The test shall include questions about general trade knowledge of plumbing and basic code requirements. The test shall be open-book, shall have a time limit, and shall be administered by the Commission or its exam consultant. The applicant shall be permitted to re-take the written test one time, if it is failed.

106.11.4.3 Drawings. The applicant shall submit floor plans and/or riser diagrams for approval, as directed by the Code Official, and shall install the work in accordance with this approval. 

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