In eastern Howard County, public water and sewer come from the county's Department of Public Works. Western Howard County is largely on private wells and septic. Plumbing permits and local plumbing licenses are handled by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits in Ellicott City.
Water, sewer and permits in Howard County
| Water & sewer | Howard County Department of Public Works serves eastern Howard County; western Howard relies on private wells and septic. |
|---|---|
| Plumbing permits | Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City. |
Plumbing in Howard County homes
Much of Howard County was built from the late 1960s onward, so the typical problems differ from Baltimore's: ageing water heaters, original supply lines in 1970s and 1980s homes, polybutylene pipe in some homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, and sump pumps in basements near the Patapsco and Little Patuxent rivers.
Towns with their own page
- ColumbiaZIP 21044, 21045, 21046
- Ellicott CityZIP 21042, 21043
- ElkridgeZIP 21075
- LaurelZIP 20707, 20708, 20723, 20724
Other Howard County communities
Clarksville (21029)
Clarksville's larger lots and newer homes frequently use private wells, pressure tanks and treatment systems.
Savage (20763)
Savage's historic mill village and newer neighborhoods along Route 1 mix older and recent plumbing.
Jessup (20794)
Jessup covers homes and a large industrial and warehouse district needing commercial plumbing.
Fulton (20759)
Fulton is mostly newer construction from the 2000s, where water heaters and fixtures are the usual calls.
Plumbing services in Howard County
WaterDrain & sewerGas
The colors match the marks utility crews paint on Maryland streets before digging.
Water lines & fixtures
How to get a plumber in Howard County
- 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.
Plumbers in Baltimore Today is a free referral service; we don't perform plumbing work ourselves. How it works.
Frequently asked questions
Does Howard County require its own plumbing license?
Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits is listed by the state as the local plumbing authority. Ask your contractor to confirm they're licensed for work in Howard County.
Do you serve western Howard County?
Yes, including homes on wells and septic in Clarksville, Glenwood and Woodbine. Mention your water source when you call.