Water House Connection Services in Howard County, MD

Most residential water service line replacements complete in one to two days depending on line size and site restoration. New construction jobs with both public and private side work can take longer if the county main is not yet in service at the property. Our team provides an estimate at consultation.

We install and replace water taps, meters, meter pits, curb stops, corporation stops, and full water service lines for residential and commercial properties.

A home connects to the municipal system through a water service line, typically Type K copper, running from a corporation stop at the main through a curb stop valve to the meter pit.

A licensed contractor taps the municipal water main via a corporation stop, runs a service line to the property, installs a curb stop valve, and connects to the meter and plumbing. Maryland projects require MDE construction permit compliance.

Your water service line enters through the foundation wall nearest the street. The meter pit is typically at the property line; your county water authority holds as built records.

Type K copper is the preferred material for Maryland water service lines, offering corrosion resistance, long service life, and compliance with WSSC Water installation standards.

Most residential connections are 3/4" or 1" in diameter. Higher demand homes and commercial properties typically require a 1 1/2" or 2" line, which we assess and install as part of a complete upgrade.

A corporation stop fitting is tapped directly into the pressurized municipal water main, allowing the new service line to branch off without interrupting supply. A curb stop ball valve is then installed for property level shutoff.

Maryland water service lines are buried at a minimum of 42 to 48 inches below grade per state and county frost depth requirements.

In Maryland, residential water service lines are generally installed between 42 and 48 inches deep, in line with frost depth standards and WSSC Water installation requirements.

The public side, from the main to the meter pit, is built and permitted through WSSC Water, and may carry a Front Foot Benefit Charge billed annually for 30 years plus a System Development Charge on new connections. The private side, from the meter into the home, is billed as standard contractor labor and materials. We confirm which WSSC charges apply to your address and quote both sides upfront so there is no surprise between them.

Cost depends on line size, distance from the main, and site conditions, rock and utility conflicts add time on some lots. WSSC's connection and permit charges are separate from our installation cost and are set by WSSC's fee schedule, which changes yearly. We pull the current rate for your address and give you an itemized quote covering both charges before we start.

WSSC Water's Permit Services line handles connection applications and charges at 301-206-4003, or 1-800-828-6439. We coordinate with WSSC directly on permitting and inspection scheduling as part of our service, so you generally will not need to call them yourself once we are on the job.