A surprise spike on your WSSC bill can feel like money leaking down the drain. If you live in Laurel, you are not alone. Many homeowners discover silent leaks only after a higher‑than‑usual bill lands in the mailbox. The good news is you can run a few simple checks today to pinpoint the problem, protect your home, and keep future bills in line. In this guide, you will learn fast leak tests that work, when to call WSSC, what to document for billing relief, and smart steps for buyers and sellers. Let’s dive in.
Know who to call in Laurel
WSSC Water serves Laurel and handles water and sewer service across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. They are your first call for emergencies, leaks in the street, or questions about billing. For current emergency numbers or to schedule an investigation, use the contact information on your bill or visit WSSC’s official website.
Ownership of the service line can be split between WSSC and the homeowner. If you are unsure who is responsible for a repair, contact WSSC. A customer service rep or field crew can help determine whether the issue is on the utility side or on private property.
Quick checks to confirm a leak
You can run these tests without a plumber. They take minutes and can save you serious costs.
Check your bill and property
- Compare this month’s usage to prior months and the same period last year.
- Walk your property. Look for soggy or unusually green patches, water at the curb, standing water in the meter box, basement dampness, or stains on walls or ceilings.
- Note when the spike began and take photos or short videos. Time‑stamped documentation helps if you request a billing review.
Use your water meter
This is the fastest way to confirm a hidden leak.
- Turn off all faucets and water‑using appliances inside and outside.
- Find your meter (often in a basement, utility room, crawl space, or meter box outside). Your bill may show its location.
- Record the reading or take a clear photo, including the decimal digits.
- Wait 15 to 60 minutes without using any water, then recheck the meter.
- If the reading increased, water is flowing somewhere. Many meters also have a small low‑flow indicator. If it moves when everything is off, you likely have a continuous leak.
Why it helps: A meter that keeps moving with no water in use points to a leak between the meter and your home or inside the home.
Run the toilet dye test
Toilets are a top source of silent, expensive leaks.
- Remove the tank lid on each toilet.
- Add several drops of food coloring to the tank. Do not flush.
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes.
- If color appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking (often a flapper or overflow issue).
If you suspect a very slow leak, wait up to an hour and recheck. Replacing a worn flapper or adjusting the chain is a common, low‑cost fix.
Inspect fixtures, heater, and irrigation
- Check under sinks, around the water heater (including the pressure relief valve), behind the washing machine, dishwasher, and water softener.
- Test outside hose bibs and each irrigation zone. Look for drips, broken sprinkler heads, and wet spots.
- Seasonal irrigation can cause bill spikes. Run short test cycles and watch the meter.
Estimate leak size
Use your meter’s units to estimate gallons per day. Note the meter reading, wait a set period with no water use, then calculate the difference. If you need help converting units, ask WSSC for guidance.
What your results mean
Meter shows flow with everything off
A leak is present. Take these steps:
- If you see water in the street, at the curb, or water entering your home, report it to WSSC emergency right away.
- If you find an indoor source, such as a toilet or appliance, schedule repairs with a licensed plumber and document everything.
- If you are unsure whether the leak is before or after the meter, contact WSSC. They can inspect and advise on ownership and next steps.
Meter does not change
You may not have a continuous leak, or the issue could be intermittent. Keep monitoring. Repeat tests at different times of day and run a longer wait period if needed. Check irrigation schedules and guest or appliance usage.
Document everything for billing review
If you plan to ask WSSC for a billing review or possible adjustment, collect:
- Dates of high usage and copies of affected bills.
- Photos or videos showing leak evidence and a date‑stamped meter test before repair.
- Proof of repair, including a plumber’s invoice with the repair description and date.
- Any WSSC field reports or notes from their inspection.
Contact WSSC early to learn the documentation they require and their submission timelines.
Billing relief and assistance
Many utilities consider limited bill adjustments for verified leaks after the problem is repaired and documented. Eligibility usually depends on prompt repair, proof the usage was abnormal, and compliance with policy deadlines. Even if you do not qualify for an adjustment, WSSC typically offers payment arrangements and customer assistance options. If you are facing hardship, check county resources such as Prince George’s County Department of Social Services or 2‑1‑1 for potential help.
Buyers and sellers in Laurel: smart timing
Sellers: prep before listing
- Run meter and toilet dye tests in every bathroom.
- Inspect visible supply lines, water heater, and irrigation.
- Fix identified leaks before photography and showings. Keep invoices and photos.
- Be ready to share repair receipts and complete required disclosures.
Showing buyers that you solved plumbing issues up front builds confidence and helps you avoid last‑minute delays.
Buyers: protect your purchase
- Ask for recent water bills to spot usage trends.
- During inspection, confirm the inspector checks the meter, tests toilets, examines irrigation, and reviews visible service lines and the water heater.
- If a leak is discovered, negotiate a repair, credit, or price change. Require receipts and, if possible, a warranty from a licensed plumber.
- If a spike appears right after move‑in, run the meter and toilet tests immediately and notify WSSC if you suspect a service‑side problem.
Who pays near closing
Responsibility depends on where the leak is located. Confirm ownership with WSSC. If the issue is on the private side, the seller often repairs before closing or offers a credit. You can also add a simple “no‑leak confirmation” clause to your contract with guidance from your agent and attorney.
Simple response plan for a spike
Follow this quick flow if your bill jumps:
- Review recent bills and note when the spike began. Photograph the bills.
- Run a meter test with all water off and record the reading.
- Run toilet dye tests in every bathroom.
- Inspect fixtures, the water heater, and irrigation.
- If water is in the street or entering the home, contact WSSC emergency immediately.
- If the meter indicates continuous flow but you do not see the source, call WSSC to inspect the meter and service connection and to discuss policies.
- If the leak is inside, schedule prompt repairs and save invoices and photos.
- Contact WSSC customer service about payment plans, billing review, or leak adjustment options and follow their documentation steps.
Timeline expectations
- Emergency response: Utilities typically respond 24/7 to main‑line emergencies. Verify current WSSC policies on their website or your bill.
- Non‑emergency inspections: Appointments can take several business days depending on workload and season.
- Plumber scheduling: Can range from same day for urgent leaks to several days in busy periods.
- Billing adjustments: Reviews often take several weeks after you submit documentation. Ask WSSC about current processing times.
When to call a pro
If you are not comfortable with plumbing work, or if the leak persists after basic checks, call a licensed plumber. Continue to document what you see and keep WSSC in the loop if there is any chance the leak is on the utility side.
Ready to protect your bottom line
A few quick tests can confirm a leak, guide your next call, and help you secure possible billing relief. Whether you are selling a Laurel home or buying your next one, a clean water check can prevent surprises and keep your move on schedule. If you want help timing repairs with a listing plan, coordinating pre‑market prep, or reviewing inspection steps, reach out. We are here to help you make smart, low‑stress decisions.
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FAQs
How fast should I act on a water bill spike in Laurel?
- Act immediately if you see water in the street, flooding, or rapid meter movement. For smaller, indoor leaks, schedule repairs promptly to prevent damage and higher bills.
Who fixes a WSSC leak near my Laurel home?
- Contact WSSC to confirm responsibility. They can advise whether the leak is on the utility side or private property. Repairs on private property are usually the homeowner’s responsibility.
Will WSSC adjust my bill after a repaired leak?
- Utilities sometimes offer limited adjustments for verified leaks after prompt repair and proper documentation. Contact WSSC early and follow their process and timelines.
How do I read my WSSC water meter to check for leaks?
- Turn off all water, note the meter reading, wait 15 to 60 minutes, and recheck. If the reading increases or the low‑flow indicator moves, you likely have a leak.
Can I do the toilet dye test myself before calling a plumber?
- Yes. Add food coloring to the tank, wait 10 to 20 minutes without flushing, and look for color in the bowl. If you see color, the toilet is leaking and may need a new flapper.
What should a buyer in Laurel do if an inspection finds a leak?
- Negotiate repairs, a seller credit, or a price change based on severity. Request receipts and, when possible, a licensed plumber’s warranty. Document everything for closing.
