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Sewer Backup in Silver Spring: Who Pays, You or WSSC Water?
Question: Who pays to fix a sewer backup in Silver Spring: me or WSSC Water? · Published 2026-10-18 · Updated 2026-10-18
Step 1: Stop the damage
- Stop using water: no flushing, showers, dishwasher or laundry. Every gallon you use comes out of the lowest drain.
- Keep people and pets away from sewage. It's a health hazard.
- Photograph everything for insurance before cleanup.
Step 2: Make two calls
- WSSC Water 24-hour emergency line: 301-206-4002 (or 1-800-634-8400). WSSC reviews your property's sewer history and may tell you whether it can help.
- A WSSC Water-registered plumber or sewer drain cleaner. Only registered plumbers can work in Montgomery and Prince George's counties, and WSSC only accepts blockage reports from registered plumbers. Ask for the registration number. Or call us at (202) 688-5949 and we'll connect you with a local plumber.
Step 3: Find out whose side it's on
- The plumber has to snake the line all the way to the WSSC main, including the part WSSC maintains.
- If the plumber thinks the blockage cleared in WSSC's section, they must call WSSC's emergency line right away.
- If they can't clear a blockage that's in WSSC's section, they report it and WSSC sends a crew at no cost to you.
- If they can't clear it on your property, they must refer you to another registered plumber or recommend excavation. Get several excavation estimates.
Step 4: Reimbursement and insurance
- You pay the plumber's bill even if the blockage was in WSSC's portion. If roots or a broken WSSC pipe caused it, contact WSSC Water's Claims Office at 301-206-7095 about reimbursement and property damage.
- WSSC may bill the plumber, not you, if it decides the plumber should have been able to clear a blockage in WSSC's section.
- Standard homeowner's policies often exclude sewer backup unless you added a sewer/drain backup endorsement. Check yours now, before it happens.
If the problem is on your side
- Ask for a camera inspection and a copy of the video so you can compare quotes.
- Underground sewer repair or excavation must be done by a WSSC-registered master plumber with a WSSC permit and inspection. Keep the approved permit copy.
- WSSC recommends getting at least three estimates.
Check the plumber before they start
- Ask for the WSSC Water registration number and confirm it using WSSC Water's plumber verification resources (linked from its sewer backups page).
- Ask whether the price includes snaking all the way to the main and a camera inspection with a video copy.
- Get the diagnosis in writing: where the blockage was (distance from the cleanout) and whether it was on your side or WSSC's side. You'll need that for any WSSC claim.
Takoma Park and the DC line
Homes on the Maryland side of Takoma Park are WSSC Water customers. Addresses in Takoma, DC are served by DC Water, which has its own process. Check which utility is on your water bill before you call.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for the sewer line from my house to the street in Silver Spring?
The property owner is responsible from the building to the property line. WSSC Water maintains from the property line to its main, except where the main runs through a right-of-way on your property. Then WSSC maintains only the connection to the main.
What is WSSC Water's emergency number for a sewer backup?
301-206-4002, or toll-free 1-800-634-8400, 24 hours a day.
Will WSSC reimburse my plumber bill?
Possibly. If the blockage was in WSSC's portion and was caused by roots or a broken WSSC pipe, contact the Claims Office at 301-206-7095. You still pay the plumber up front.
Do I have a sewer cleanout at my property line?
Many older homes don't. Where WSSC Water runs sewer rehabilitation projects, it says it installs a property-line cleanout free of charge. Otherwise, a plumber can install one, which makes future clearing and diagnosis easier.
Can I snake my own sewer line?
Homeowners can, but WSSC Water only accepts blockage reports from registered plumbers. If the blockage might be on WSSC's side, use a registered plumber.
Does the plumber need a permit to dig up my sewer line?
Yes. Underground sewer repairs require a WSSC Water permit and inspection, and only a registered master plumber may do the work.
Sources
- WSSC Water: Sewer Blockages & Backups
- WSSC Water: Service Connections on Private Property
- WSSC Water: Sewer Rehabilitation Project FAQ
- WSSC Water: Sewer backup brochure (PDF)