Maryland homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or at the wall entry. Maryland's wide range of housing ages (1890s Baltimore rowhouses to 2020s Montgomery County subdivisions) means plumbing conditions vary widely. Test the shutoff before any freeze forecast.

Basement sump pump

Maryland's high water table in many areas (especially Eastern Shore and DC suburbs) means sump pumps are critical. Test quarterly, install battery backup before hurricane season, and verify the discharge line points away from the foundation.

Radon awareness

Western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany, Washington counties) and parts of Frederick and Carroll counties have elevated radon. Test within 90 days of move-in.

HVAC maintenance

Maryland's four-season climate runs HVAC hard year-round. Service in spring and fall. Replace filters every 1-2 months.

Drainage and erosion monitoring

Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed has specific stormwater regulations. Maintain proper grading and drainage. Erosion on Bay-adjacent properties is ongoing and accelerating with sea level rise.

Bay and coastal flooding prep

The Chesapeake Bay amplifies hurricane surge. Hurricane Isabel (2003) flooded Annapolis and much of the Eastern Shore. Verify sump pump battery backup, stock 7-day emergency supplies, and know your evacuation route if near tidal waters.

Roof inspection

Annual inspection before hurricane season. Pay attention to flashing around chimneys (Maryland homes have many) and at roof valleys.

Western Maryland snow and ice prep

Garrett County averages 100+ inches of snow per year. Roof snow load management, pipe protection, and heating fuel supply (propane or oil) are western Maryland winter priorities. Stock 7-10 days of supplies before December.

Freeze-thaw pipe protection

Maryland winters cycle through freeze-thaw repeatedly. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces. Know how to let faucets drip during hard freezes.

Basement waterproofing

Maryland's frequent rain and high water table make basement waterproofing a high-value investment. Interior drainage systems are generally more reliable than exterior coatings in the mid-Atlantic's heavy rain climate.

Flood insurance

Chesapeake Bay, tidal river, and Eastern Shore properties need flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Review flood zone maps and maintain NFIP or private flood coverage.

Chesapeake Bay storm surge amplification

The Bay's funnel shape concentrates storm surge in its northern end. Annapolis, Baltimore's waterfront, and the upper Bay communities can see 4-8 feet of surge from a strong storm. Know your flood zone. Zone A evacuation orders require immediate action.

Supply stockpile for winter storms

Major nor'easters in Maryland deliver 12-24 inches of snow and cause power outages. Stock 5 days of supplies before November. Western Maryland: stock 7-10 days.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Maryland plumber wait times are 24-48 hours after major ice events in the DC metro.

Sump pump overflow and intrusion response

Do not enter if electrical equipment is submerged. Call BGE (1-800-685-0123), Pepco (1-877-737-2662), or your cooperative to disconnect at the meter. Pump out water, dry immediately. Maryland's humidity accelerates mold growth.

Hurricane and nor'easter outages

Major storms in Maryland cause outages lasting days to a week. BGE: 1-800-685-0123. Pepco: 1-877-737-2662. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Washington Gas: 1-844-927-4427. Columbia Gas of Maryland (SEMCO): 1-800-543-8911. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Know two ways out of every room including upper floors. In Baltimore and Annapolis rowhouses, upper floor window escape ladders may be needed. Designate a specific meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never re-enter.