Ellicott City is Howard County's seat. After the 2016 and 2018 flash floods, sump pumps, backwater valves and flood-resistant plumbing became common requests. Public water and sewer come from Howard County, and western Ellicott City includes homes on wells.
Plumbing in Ellicott City: what's different
Old Ellicott City's stone and brick buildings date back to the 1700s and 1800s, with plumbing retrofitted over many decades. Outside the historic district, most homes were built from the 1960s onward, with larger homes and newer construction toward Route 99 and Route 108.
Homes in low areas near the Tiber and Hudson branches and the Patapsco River are the most likely to need sump pumps with battery backup and backwater valves.
Common plumbing calls in Ellicott City
- Sump pumps and backwater valves in flood-prone areas
- Retrofits in historic stone and brick buildings
- Water heater replacements in 1980s and 1990s homes
- Wells and treatment systems in western Ellicott City
Local water, sewer and permits
| County | Howard County |
|---|---|
| ZIP codes | 21042, 21043 |
| Plumbing permits | Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City. |
Plumbing services in Ellicott City
WaterDrain & sewerGas
The colors match the marks utility crews paint on Maryland streets before digging.
Water lines & fixtures
How to get a plumber in Ellicott City
- Call 443-863-5471. Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7.
- We connect you. You're put through to a licensed, independent local plumber who handles this kind of job in your area.
- Get a clear quote. The plumber explains the problem and the price before any work starts.
- You decide. Approve the work, and the plumber completes it with any permit your city or county requires.
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Frequently asked questions
What can I do to protect my basement from flooding?
A sump pump with battery backup, a backwater valve on the sewer line, and discharge lines that carry water well away from the foundation are the usual steps. A contractor can assess your house.
Where do I get a plumbing permit in Ellicott City?
Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits is at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.