WSSC Plumbing and Gasfitting Regulations (Code) require that a WSSC 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 works to ensure that installations meet minimum Code requirements for safety, durability, and longevity. Examples of work that must be performed by a WSSC 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. Section 106.11 of Code for Plumbing Work by Homeowners. 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 license number. To verify their license status, you may call WSSC's Licensing Office, at 301/206-8588. A few words of advice:

To schedule a WSSC 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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• Below grade piping deeper than 4 feet, including repair of water or sewer services deeper than 4 feet, or piping that crosses other utilities.
• Connection to a Commission water or sewer service connection: This work shall be performed by a WSSC-licensed Master Plumber.
• Installation and testing of testable backflow devices.
• Gasfitting installations, including the installation or replacement of a gas-fired water heater or appliance.
• Work on public property, Commission-owned structures or appurtenances.

106.2 Exempt Work. The following work shall be exempt from the requirement for a permit. Exemption from the permit requirement of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this Code or any other laws.


106.2.1 Repairing Leaks. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and an inspection made as provided in this Code, subject to the provisions set forth in Section 106.2.2.


106.2.2 Ten-Percent Rule, General. Within the building envelope including below grade, if less than 10-percent (nominal) of the existing piping for a system, sub-system, or fixture group is replaced, a permit and inspection shall not be required. This shall not preclude the licensee from obtaining permits and inspections for such work if so desired.


106.2.2.1 Other than Group R-3 Occupancies. The intent of the 10-percent rule exclusions in Section 106.2.2 shall be applicable to minor repairs and replacement piping only. In buildings other than Group R-3 occupancies, a permit and inspection shall be required for more extensive work if more than 10-percent (nominal) of a floor level, wing, or area is involved, even though the floor level, wing, or area defines less than 10-percent (nominal) of the total building plumbing.


106.2.2.2 Repairs Below Grade. Repairs to outdoor piping below grade shall not be exempt work, and shall require a permit and inspection. Examples of repair work requiring a permit shall include, but shall not limited to: Building sewer, building water service, grinder pump replacement, and site-utility water and sewer piping.


106.2.2.3 Repairs to Gas Piping. Repairs to gas piping shall not be exempt work, and shall require a permit and inspection.


106.2.3 Plumbing Maintenance. The clearing of stoppages in fixture branches; the repairing of incidental leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures; or the removal and reinstallation of existing or new plumbing fixtures, residential type plumbing appliances, non-testable backflow devices, and plumbing appurtenances; provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement of concealed piping, or the rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.


106.2.4 Gas Appliance Maintenance. Replacement, repair, or adjustment of gas controls, burners, or minor components; luminous and portable appliances; to the extent that such replacement shall not alter the condition of previous approval or render such equipment unsafe.


106.2.5 Special Exception, Federal Facilities. Permitting and inspection requirements for federal facilities shall be as provided in applicable law and/or pursuant to agreement with the appropriate federal agency. Such facilities may be required to install an outside water meter setting or vault, and to contain the property with backflow protection, at the same general location as the meter.

• 3/4" and 1" meter setting  
• 1-1/2" meter setting (A)  
• 1-1/2" meter setting (B)  
• 2" meter setting (A)  
• 2" meter setting (B)  
• 3" meter setting (A)  
• 3" meter setting (B)  
• 1600 gal Grease or Sand/Oil Interceptor  
• 1600 gal Sand/Oil Interceptor (For Untrapped Garage Drains)  
• 500 gal Grease or Sand/Oil Interceptor  
• 500 gal Sand/Oil Interceptor (For Untrapped Garage Drains)  
• Approved Volume Based Interceptor Providers  
• Volume Based Interceptor Guidelines  
• Recommended Flow Based Grease Interceptor Details  
• Code Modification Request Form  
• WSSC Meter Application Chart  

• Combustion and Ventilation Air Chart  

For questions concerning these requirements you may call
(301) 206-8886, or e-mail us.

If your WSSC licensed Master Plumber repairs or replaces your on-property service line (water line), and you plan to request a cancellation of the excess water/sewer charges due to the leakage, you must provide WSSC's Correspondence Services Unit with a plumber's invoice describing the type, location, and the repair date of the leak; and a signed copy of the WSSC issued Short Form (postcard) permit that reflects that the repair/replacement has been approved by a WSSC Plumbing Inspector. This adjustment of charges is granted for properties with outside meters only when the leak occurs after the meter. The service line must be repaired and proper documentation provided to WSSC within 15 days of the discovery of the leak to qualify for an adjustment of charges.

Although the WSSC does not mediate in contract disputes between a plumber and a homeowner, the Licensing Office will file formal written complaints in a licensee's folder. If warranted, the Inspections Unit will also conduct an investigation into the complaint and take appropriate enforcement action against the licensee for violations of Code. To file a formal written complaint against a plumber, write to:

Mr. Tom Buckley or Ms. Beverly Houser
WSSC
Regulatory Services Group
14501 Sweitzer Lane - 11th Floor
Laurel, MD 20707

Include all relevant information pertaining to your complaint: Written summary of complaint/events, copies of contracts, invoices, correspondence; include the licensee's name and license number; and include the name(s) of other company representatives you dealt with.

• This permit must be on the job at the time of both the installation and the inspection.
• It shall be the Master Plumber's/Gasfitter's responsibility, not the homeowner's, to ensure that work performed under this permit has been inspected by the WSSC within five (5) calendar days of installation. For the convenience of the homeowner, the homeowner may schedule the inspection his/herself.
• Inspections are scheduled for the next business day. To schedule your inspection call 301/206-4004 or 800/422-2063 between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please have your permit in-hand when you call. Click here to view the WSSC Holidays for the current year.
• Please alert the scheduler of any special circumstances concerning your inspection.

• The WSSC 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 0f 2007 WSSC 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 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 annually 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 insure the safety of the potable drinking water in your home. For further information or assistance please contact the Cross Connection Control office at 301-206-8601.