District of Columbia homeowner guide

Sewer lateral and backwater valve

The lateral is the sewer line that serves your property. DC Water says 'the property owner is also required to maintain the sewer service line and remove any clogs in the lateral.' A backwater valve on the lateral lets flow go one way only, out, which keeps wastewater from entering your building when the public sewer surcharges or storms back it up. DC Water notes that the DC Plumbing Code requires a permit to install one, pulled by a DC-licensed Master Plumber.

Pro recommended: Licensed Plumber

Sump pump and basement contents

DC's ReadyDC site says to elevate items stored in your basement to prevent damage, and, if you have a sump pump, to check that it is working. Know where your electrical panel and main gas valve are before any storm, because the flood advice below starts with shutting them off.

Your water service line material

DC Water says water leaves its treatment plant essentially lead-free and can pick up lead from service lines, pipes and plumbing in and around a home. It estimates the District has more than 42,000 service lines with lead or galvanized-iron pipe. DC Water's Service Line Inventory Map shows what it has on record for your property, and its Customer Response Team (the Lead Hotline) is at 202-787-4044.

Radon test kit

DOEE says District residents can get a free radon test kit by calling the radon hotline at (202) 535-2302. EPA recommends testing all homes and fixing a home whose level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. EPA's 1993 radon map puts the District in Zone 3, but EPA is explicit that the map should not be used to decide whether an individual home needs testing: 'No matter where you live, test your home for radon'.

Pro recommended: Certified Radon Mitigation Contractor

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

ReadyDC says to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, test them once a month, and replace the batteries twice a year. Consider alarms with a strobe light for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Clear gutters, downspouts and drains

ReadyDC and DC Water both ask owners to clear trash, leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts and drains, and to point downspouts away from the foundation. Clearing them in winter also helps prevent ice dams, which ReadyDC says can cause water damage inside the home.

Hoses and the water heater

DC Water advises replacing washing machine hoses every three to five years, checking the water heater for rust, and keeping a pan and drain under it. It says most water heaters last eight to 12 years, so one that old should be checked.

Listen for hidden leaks

DC Water's leak checklist says that hearing water run in the pipes when no fixture is in use might indicate a leak, and lists spots to check: toilets, under sinks, appliance water lines, outdoor spigots and hoses.

Practice your fire escape plan

ReadyDC says to make a household fire evacuation plan with a way out of every room and an outside meeting place, and to practice it twice a year.

Know the District's heat alerts

The District issues a Heat Alert when daytime temperatures will feel like 95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and an Extreme Heat Alert when they will feel like 105 or hotter. Cooling centers open at 95 degrees.

Get the house ready for heat

ReadyDC suggests checking that your air conditioning is properly installed and working, sealing cracks around windows and doors, covering windows that get morning or afternoon sun, and keeping an insulated cooler for food or medicine in case of an outage.

Pro recommended: HVAC Technician

Hurricane season

DC's emergency agency says hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and that severe storms regularly impact the District. ReadyDC advises securing outdoor objects that could blow away, installing surge protectors, and using wind-resistant roofing materials; it also suggests considering hurricane straps.

Put hoses away and drain outdoor lines

DC Water says to remove, drain and store garden hoses, close the inside valve that feeds each outdoor hose connection, and open the outside connection so water left in the line can drain and expand without breaking the pipe.

Check heating and gas appliances

ReadyDC says to make sure heating systems, water heaters and any other gas or oil-burning appliances are working, and that carbon monoxide detectors work. If a detector sounds, get outside immediately and call the gas utility.

Pro recommended: HVAC Technician

Seal, clear and repair

ReadyDC suggests caulking or weather-stripping cracks around windows, doors and pipes, clearing gutters to prevent ice dams, trimming trees and bushes that could fall on the house, and fixing roof damage or leaks before winter.

Protect pipes in cold snaps

DC Water says to leave the thermostat above 55 degrees if you go away in cold weather, and in severe cold to let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Pipes most likely to freeze are exposed to the outside or in unheated areas such as kitchen cabinets, attics, garages, basements and crawl spaces.

Salt or sand, and a shovel

ReadyDC suggests keeping rock salt (to melt ice on stairs and walkways) or sand (for traction) and a shovel on hand before the first storm.

Do not park on a Snow Emergency Route

ReadyDC warns that a car parked along a Snow Emergency Route during winter weather may be fined or towed.

Look up your flood risk

DOEE's DC Flood Risk Tool lets District property owners identify the flood-risk zone for their property. DOEE says the tool is for information only and is not legally binding when determining flood-insurance premiums or requirements.

Ask for a free FloodSmart Homes assessment

DOEE's FloodSmart Homes program, which it describes as a pilot, sends a professional for a free flood resilience assessment and a report of cost-effective upgrades. Homes in the 100 or 500-year floodplain are served first. Call 202-535-2600 or email flood.risk@dc.gov to ask about eligibility.

Backwater valve rebate

DC Water's backwater valve program reimburses eligible residents with a documented sewer back-up, up to $6,000 per property. Eligibility depends on where the property is and on documented back-ups tied to specific storms, so check DC Water's page before you hire anyone.

Pro recommended: Licensed Plumber

Raise, regrade and clear

ReadyDC suggests putting electrical equipment such as air-conditioning units at least a foot off the ground, regrading the yard so water slopes away from the house, and keeping basement items elevated. DOEE's RiverSmart Homes program offers incentives for rain barrels, rain gardens, permeable pavement and shade trees.

Homeowners insurance and flooding

DOEE says: 'Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding.' FEMA says: 'Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both.' Read your own policy, or ask your agent, to see what yours covers.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

FEMA says flood insurance is available to anyone living in a participating NFIP community, that there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a policy takes effect, and that homes in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have it. DOEE says the District participates in the NFIP. DOEE directs residents to the District's insurance regulator, DISB, at (202) 727-8000 for a list of licensed agents.

Sewer backups are usually the owner's cost

DC Water says: 'Cleanup and damages are most often the responsibility of the property owner' and 'DC Water generally does not pay for cleanup costs or damages that result from sewer backups.' It suggests considering a homeowner's policy or rider that covers sewer backups.

Free home fire safety inspection

DC Fire and EMS offers home fire safety inspections by appointment, at (202) 673-3331. Inspectors look for overloaded outlets, working smoke detectors, unobstructed exits and good visibility of your address from the street, and give you their findings and suggestions.

Free smoke alarm for homeowners

DC Fire and EMS's smoke alarm program installs free alarms for District homeowners who live in the home (proof of residency required). Request one at (202) 727-1614 or fems.fireprevention@dc.gov.

Extinguishers and escape ladders

ReadyDC suggests an A-B-C fire extinguisher in easy reach, especially in the kitchen, an escape ladder for each upper-level bedroom, and keeping your house number lit and readable from the street.

Check before you build or remodel

The District's Department of Buildings (DOB) says it 'offers permitting services for residents and businesses' and that 'for one- and two-family residential projects, use the DOB Permit Wizard online permit application.' DOB also says additional development restrictions are administered by other agencies, such as Historic Preservation, so ask before starting exterior work. DOB says a certified building plat is required for exterior work (roof-mounted solar on one- and two-family homes excepted) but not for interior-only work such as a bathroom remodel.

Which code applies

DOB says the 2017 DC Construction Codes consist of the 2015 International Code Council model codes, the 2014 National Electrical Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2013, as amended by Title 12 of the DC Municipal Regulations, effective May 29, 2020, and that Title 12 DCMR should be used to confirm the official text. DOB has announced it is modernizing the District's construction codes, so confirm the current edition with DOB.

Hire licensed contractors

DC's Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) lists a Home Improvement Contractor license for work such as remodeling, renovation, roofing and decks. DC Water points to DC-licensed Master Plumbers for sewer work. Ask any contractor for their District license before work starts.

Pro recommended: General Contractor

Sign up for AlertDC

AlertDC is the District's official emergency notification system. Anyone can sign up, and it is especially useful for people who live or work in the District. You pick the types of alerts you want.

Follow the National Weather Service

ReadyDC points residents to the National Weather Service for current alerts. The NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast office covers the District.

Learn your evacuation route

DC's emergency agency offers an address-based mapping tool that shows the closest evacuation route and the closest collection point where you can catch a bus to evacuate. Evacuate immediately if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone or local authorities tell you to.

Three kinds of flooding

DOEE says the District faces riverine, stormwater (interior) and tidal or coastal-storm-surge flooding. Its record lists major river floods in 1936, 1937, 1942 and twice in 1996, tidal floods in 1933, 1972 (Agnes) and 2003 (Isabel), and stormwater floods in 2006 (Federal Triangle), 2012 (Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park), 2016 (Cleveland Park) and 2023 (Rhode Island Avenue NE). ReadyDC adds that there has been a flood in DC almost every year since 2015.

Flood alerts and what they mean

ReadyDC: a flood watch means flooding is possible, so get ready to move to higher ground. A flood warning or flash flood warning means flooding is happening or about to happen. Coastal flood advisories, watches and warnings work the same way for coastal flooding.

Never drive through flood water

ReadyDC says 'just six inches of flowing water can be enough to knock you off your feet or carry away your car.' Turn around and find another route. The National Weather Service cites CDC reporting that over half of flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

Sewer capacity in heavy storms

DC Water says the District has a combined sewer system, that during intense storms the amount of wastewater can exceed its capacity, and that this can cause overland flooding and backups into homes, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods. Despite added tunnel capacity, DC Water says flooding is still possible in very heavy rainstorms.

Why it matters

ReadyDC says extreme heat kills more people in an average year than any other weather event, and that DC is experiencing warmer, more humid and longer summers than a couple of decades ago.

Cooling centers, pools and spray parks

The District opens cooling centers at 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with extended hours, including libraries, recreation centers, pools and splash zones. It also offers free access to indoor and outdoor pools and to spray parks for District residents.

Check on neighbors

ReadyDC asks residents to check on neighbors during extreme heat, especially seniors, children, people experiencing homelessness and people with disabilities or access and functional needs.

Cold alerts

A Cold Alert means temperatures, including wind chill, will feel like 16 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (or 21 to 40 with expected precipitation). An Extreme Cold Alert means they will feel like 15 or colder (or 20 or colder with expected precipitation).

Warming centers and the hypothermia hotline

At 32 degrees Fahrenheit the District activates warming centers and emergency hypothermia shelters, open 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Free transportation is available: call the Hypothermia Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311.

Frostbite and hypothermia

ReadyDC lists frostbite signs as cold or pale skin, hard or waxy skin, numbness, pins and needles, throbbing or aching and confusion, and says to warm the area gently and not rub it. For hypothermia (shivering, numbness, confusion, dizziness, weakness, slurred speech) it says to call 911 if the person's temperature is below 95 degrees.

Utility shutoff protection in cold weather

ReadyDC states: 'DC law states that utility companies are not allowed to disconnect electric or gas services to your home when the temperature is below 32 degrees.' It points to the DC Council for the text of the law, and to DOEE's Utility Affordability Programs, 202-236-2657, for help with bills.

What DC has seen

ReadyDC cites the 2012 derecho and the heavy rains from Hurricane Ian in 2022 as extreme storms that hit the District, and notes that a tornado caused damage on the National Mall in 2021.

Where to shelter indoors

ReadyDC says to shelter in an interior room or hallway with no windows on the lowest floor, or in a basement for a tornado. Stay away from sinks, tubs and showers, and unplug electronics because lightning can travel through plugged-in equipment. If you lose power, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

Watch versus warning

A watch means conditions are right for a storm or tornado and you should be ready to take shelter. A warning means one is happening or about to happen, so take shelter now. If you are caught outside, do not shelter under a tree or other tall object.

Earthquakes are rare but possible

ReadyDC says earthquakes are not frequent in the District, but it can feel shaking from earthquakes in nearby areas.

Thaw a frozen pipe safely, call a licensed plumber

DC Water says to open the faucet so water can flow once the ice melts, then apply heat to or around the pipe. Keep heat away from flammable materials, never use an open flame, and do not use anything that could make the melted water boil. Call a licensed plumber if you cannot find, reach or thaw the frozen section.

Pro recommended: Licensed Plumber

Who to call

For emergency service inside your home, contact a licensed plumber. For water emergencies on public property, such as a water main break, call DC Water's 24-hour emergency line at 202-612-3400.

Stay away from electricity and standing water

ReadyDC says not to touch electrical equipment during or after a flood, and to avoid standing water because it may be electrically charged from underground or from a downed power line. If a flood is likely, shut down gas and electricity at the main switch or valve to help prevent fires and explosions.

If you have to leave

DC Water says that when evacuating you should shut off water, gas and electricity, and contact your landlord, the power and gas companies, or DC Water at 202-612-3400 if you need instructions. Do not return until local authorities give the all-clear.

Cleanup and drying

ReadyDC says to turn off power at your fuse box, wear waterproof gloves and boots, remove soaked materials, and use pumps, fans and dehumidifiers to dry out and prevent mold. If the basement flooded, pump out about one-third of the water per day to avoid additional structural damage. When in doubt about keeping a flood-damaged item, throw it out.

Document before you clean

ReadyDC's steps for an insurance claim: contact your insurance provider, photograph or video the damage before cleaning up, list damaged or lost items (with receipts if possible), and keep receipts for repairs, lodging and other recovery costs.

Report it right away

DC Water says to report a water emergency or sewer backup immediately to its Water and Sewer Emergency Line at (202) 612-3400.

Who pays and who clears the line

DC Water says that if it finds the main sewer clear, you are required to hire a registered master plumber to clear the lateral at your own expense, and that cleanup and damages are most often the property owner's responsibility. If you think DC Water may be responsible, call (202) 787-2052 or file a claim at dcwater.com/claims; DC Water says it will investigate before making a final determination.

Pro recommended: Licensed Plumber

After a major storm or flood

DC Water says to avoid using any food or water that has touched untreated water or sewage, to check that sewage lines are intact before flushing toilets, and to call 202-612-3400 for instructions on checking them and on flushing your house water lines.

Report outages and downed lines

Pepco takes outage reports 24/7 at 1-877-737-2662. ReadyDC says to stay away from damaged or fallen power lines and report them to your utility.

Food safety

ReadyDC says to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If power was out for more than four hours, throw away perishable food in the refrigerator. Freezer items may last 24 to 48 hours if the door stayed closed; throw away frozen food that is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Generators: outside only

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says: 'Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from homes with exhaust facing away.' It also recommends carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.

Life-support equipment

ReadyDC says Pepco customers who rely on electricity for life-support equipment can enroll in Pepco's Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program (202-833-7500) for advance notice of scheduled outages and severe-weather alerts.

Leave first, then call from outside

Washington Gas says natural gas smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, and that a hissing or blowing sound is another sign. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave right away, leaving doors and windows open to ventilate if possible. From a safe place call 911, then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.

Avoid anything that could spark

Washington Gas's don'ts: do not smoke or light a match, candle or other flame; do not turn electrical appliances or lights on or off or operate motorized equipment or vehicles; and do not use any device that could cause a spark or ignition, including telephones and cell phones, while you are in the building. Make your call from a safe location outside.

Carbon monoxide alarm sounding

ReadyDC says that if your carbon monoxide detector sounds, get outside immediately and call Washington Gas. Use the utility's own leak line number above.

Get out, stay out, call 911

ReadyDC says the most important step in a home fire is to get out, not to go back into a burning building, and to call 911 so first responders arrive as soon as possible. Even if you think you can put a fire out, call 911, because fires spread quickly.

On the way out

Get low and crawl to the exit, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth. Feel a door with the back of your hand and do not open it if it is hot. Close doors behind you, use the stairs, not the elevator, and if your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll.

If you cannot get out

ReadyDC says to shove a cloth such as a towel under the door to keep smoke out, stay where you are, call 911, and wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth from the window to signal for help.

Only a small, contained fire

ReadyDC's '30-second rule': only try an extinguisher on a fire you can put out in 30 seconds or less, using the PASS method (pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the lever slowly, sweep side to side).