Sewer Blockages & Backups

The maintenance of the sewer service – from the property line to the building – is the property owner's responsibility. If your service connects to a WSSC Water main sewer located in a right-of-way on your property, WSSC Water does not maintain any portion of the service except the actual connection to WSSC Water's main line. If you are experiencing backup problems, we recommend that you hire a WSSC Water-registered plumber or sewer drain cleaner to clear the sewer service.

In case of a sewer backup, call WSSC Water's 24-hour emergency number: 301-206-4002 or 1-800-634-8400. Our TTY number is 301-206-8345.

Check the Sewer Service Alerts map

Sewer Backup Guidance

WSSC Water will review your property’s sewer history and determine whether we can assist. A WSSC Water representative or your registered plumber will identify whether the blockage is the homeowner’s responsibility or WSSC Water’s.

If the blockage is the homeowner’s responsibility

We recommend contacting at least three WSSC Water–registered plumbers or sewer drain cleaners for estimates. Plumbers and sewer drain cleaners must be WSSC Water–registered to work in Montgomery or Prince George’s counties. Always request their registration number. 

Learn more about finding and verifying a plumber

If the blockage is WSSC Water’s responsibility

WSSC Water will clear the blockage at no charge. For property damage or reimbursement of plumber fees, please contact our Claims Office during business hours.

Contact WSSC Water's Claims Office

What to expect when getting your sewer line cleared

• The plumber must snake the sewer line to the WSSC Water main, including the portion we maintain, to relieve the sewer backup.
   
• If the plumber finds the blockage in the WSSC Water-maintained section, they must contact our 24-Hour Emergency Service at 301-206-4002 immediately.
   
• If the plumber cannot clear a blockage on your property, they must refer you to another registered plumber or recommend excavation. If you opt for excavation to relieve the backup, we encourage you to get multiple excavation estimates.
   
• Only a registered WSSC Water Master Plumber may excavate or repair underground sewer pipes. They must secure a permit from WSSC Water and have us inspect the work. Remember to ask for the approved permit copy to keep for your records.
   
• If a blockage is in the WSSC Water-maintained portion and the plumber cannot clear it, they must report it to 301-206-4002. WSSC Water will dispatch a crew at no cost to the homeowner.
   
• Homeowners may snake the line themselves, but please note that WSSC Water only accepts blockage reports from registered plumbers.
   
• Homeowners must pay the plumber’s bill, even if the blockage is in the WSSC Water-maintained portion. If roots or a broken WSSC Water pipe caused the issue, contact our Claims Office at 301-206-7095 for possible reimbursement.
   
• If WSSC Water determines that a plumber should have been able to clear a blockage in the WSSC Water-maintained portion, we may bill the plumber—not the homeowner.