Prince George's County · Fort Washington, MD
Plumbers in Fort Washington, MD
Fort Washington is in Prince George's County, Maryland. About 56,000 people live in the 2 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 21,000 homes, 80% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (44%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 2 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Fort Washington
20744, 20749
Fort Washington homes and their plumbing
Here is how Fort Washington's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 1%, 1940–1959 10%, 1960–1979 44%, 1980–1999 32%, 2000 or later 13%. Most homes are old enough that original pipe, valves and water heaters are wearing out, but young enough that full repipes are a case-by-case call. Neighboring areas such as Temple Hills, Waldorf are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 1% |
| 1940–1959 | 10% |
| 1960–1979 | 44% |
| 1980–1999 | 32% |
| 2000 or later | 13% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 56,236
- Housing units
- 21,014
- Single-family detached
- 80%
- Owner-occupied
- 82%
- Heated with utility gas
- 42%
- Heated with electricity
- 45%
- Heated with fuel oil
- 8%
What goes wrong in Fort Washington homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
44% of the housing here dates from 1960 to 1979. Original copper supply lines in those homes are now 45 to 65 years old, and cast iron drains of that age scale up inside and crack. Seized shutoff valves, pinhole leaks and recurring main-line clogs are common calls. A camera inspection shows the condition of the sewer line before anyone digs.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
32% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999. Polybutylene supply pipe was installed widely in US homes from about 1978 to 1995, so houses from these years are worth checking for gray plastic pipe stamped PB2110, usually visible at the water heater or under sinks. Insurers and buyers often ask about it. See polybutylene replacement.
Winter freezes
55% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a cold Maryland winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Common calls in Fort Washington
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement in Fort Washington, MD
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Fort Washington: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Fort Washington at a glance
- County
- Prince George's County
- Nearest city pages
- Temple Hills
- ZIP codes
- 20744, 20749
Fort Washington plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Fort Washington?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Fort Washington, Census estimates put 12% of homes as built before 1960, 44% from 1960 to 1979, 32% from 1980 to 1999 and 13% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (44%).
Who licenses plumbers in Fort Washington, MD?
The Maryland State Board of Plumbing licenses plumbers and gas fitters; check a license through the Maryland Department of Labor.
Are water heaters in Fort Washington usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 42% of homes heating with utility gas, 45% with electricity, 8% with fuel oil. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so electricity is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Fort Washington homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Accokeek (4 mi), Oxon Hill (4 mi), Clinton (6 mi), Brandywine (7 mi), Bryans Road (9 mi), Suitland (9 mi), Andrews Air Force Base (9 mi), Cheltenham (10 mi).
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Fort Washington, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Fort Washington?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.