District of Columbia
Plumbing in Washington, DC
Local notes on your water utility, common problems and rebates, plus what we can help with.
In DC, DC Water provides drinking water and sewer service. Much of the housing is older, including many rowhouses, and older homes can have lead, galvanized or brass service lines. Parts of the city are on a combined sewer system, which can back up in heavy rain.
DC Water runs the Lead Free DC program and a private-side replacement program that depends on approved contractors. We explain how those work, and we repair and replace water lines, drains and sewer lines, water heaters and fixtures for DC homeowners.
What to know in Washington, DC
- Lead service lines
- Search your address on DC Water's Lead Free DC dashboard. Your status will be one of five: complete, in progress, pending, contact DC Water for options, or no lead service present. Construction is scheduled as funding is confirmed.
- Private-side replacement program
- The Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program offers a 100% discount on private-side replacement for enrolled homeowners. It requires an approval letter and a contractor on DC Water's approved list, and funding has been limited. Do not start work before approval.
- Backwater valve rebate
- DC Water reimburses up to $6,000 for a backwater valve, but only for properties in the combined sewer area with a documented sewer back-up since 2012 or from the September 10, 2020 storm.
- Freezing rowhouse pipes
- Pipes in unheated cabinets, basements and exterior walls are at risk in a hard freeze. See our freeze-prep checklist for what to do before the cold arrives.
Rebates and programs near Washington, DC
Lead Free DC (lead service line replacement)
Replacement of lead service lines, scheduled block by block.
Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP)
Private-side replacement of lead, galvanized or brass service pipe where the public side is not lead.
Backwater valve rebate
Purchase and installation of a backwater valve that protects against sewer backups.
DCSEU heat pump water heater rebate
Replacing a gas water heater with a heat pump water heater.
RiverSmart Rebates
Rain barrels, rain gardens and permeable surfaces. Stormwater-adjacent, not plumbing repair.
Services in Washington, DC
Plumbing trouble in Washington, DC?
Call and we will tell you what is likely going on. Or send the details and we will call you back.
Emergency calls answered 24/7.