FAQs

Why does the sump pump in my basement run all the time when it rains?: When this happens it is usually because the water being discharged from your downspouts has no place to drain or the ground around your house may need to be graded so water runs away from the walls towards the street. You may contact the Sewer Department at 301-759-6426 for additional assistance.

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Engineering Division

1. The sidewalk in front of my house is broken or uneven, and I'm afraid someone may trip over it. Who's responsible for fixing it?: If the sidewalk is broken or has settled unevenly due to age, then you as the property owner are responsible as described in the City Code Section 22-60.

2. Why does the sump pump in my basement run all the time when it rains?: When this happens it is usually because the water being discharged from your downspouts has no place to drain or the ground around your house may need to be graded so water runs away from the walls towards the street. You may contact the Sewer Department at 301-759-6426 for additional assistance.

3. Sewer water is backing up into my basement, especially during a heavy rainfall. What can I do?: The downspouts on your house may connect to your sanitary sewer service connection, your service connection may be plugged, or sanitary sewers in the street may be full or plugged. You may contact the Sewer Department at 301-759-6426, and they will come out to investigate the situation.

4. I'm buying a new home and the bank, or my insurance company, needs to know if it is in a flood zone. Where can I find this information?: The Community Development Department (301-759-6442) has Flood Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). They will compare your street address to the NFIP maps and can issue you a statement declaring your flood zone.

5. I am looking to develop a site and need to know what utilities are available?: The Engineering Department maintains the city's water and sewer utility maps, and in most cases can provide you with this utility information. If you need on-site assistance in the location of your own water service or sanitary sewer connections, you may contact the Water Department at 301-759-6623, and the Sewer Department at 301-759-6626.

Remember: Before you dig contact Miss Utility at 800-257-7777.

Gas, electric, telephone, and cable utilities are private and their location information is not maintained by the city. Please contact the owner of the utility.

6. Do you have city maps?: Yes we do. Please check the maps section of our website to download free maps, or if you need a hard copy of a map please contact John DeVault at 301-759-6603 for information on pricing and availability. Visit the Maps Section.