Water has been restored for residents of a Bethesda, Maryland, neighborhood Wednesday after crews repaired a decades-old pipe.
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission says a water main began leaking under Linden Avenue, near Pooks Hill Road, around 7 a.m. Tuesday, affecting 45 customers.
The main was nearly 60 years old, the utility said in a tweet, and found to have extensive damage.
It was initially thought that a 6-foot stretch of the pipe would be replaced. However, according to an updated post at 1:45 a.m., approximately 25 feet of pipe needed to be replaced.
Linden Ave, Bethesda Water Main Break Update 1/19/22 1:45pm: As repairs continue, crews have discovered more damage to the 10-inch water main. Approximately 25-feet of pipe is now being replaced. Crews continue to work as fast & safely as possible. We appreciate your patience. pic.twitter.com/d8sHhL7OF5
— WSSC Water (@WSSCWaterNews) January 19, 2022
Fifteen hours later, water was restored to the Bethesda neighborhood after a new pipe was added in place of the older main. The agency said residents should flush any cold water lines if the water appears discolored, as it is common after a water main break.
Linden Ave, Bethesda Update: WATER 💧 service is being restored now! 10:15pm, 1/19. 25 feet of new pipe is in place. Flush cold water lines if water is discolored. This is common after a water main break. https://t.co/clevNphYBm pic.twitter.com/smZo9dT8Kp
— WSSC Water (@WSSCWaterNews) January 20, 2022
The company had set up a water station for affected residents out of a blue van at Maplewood-Alta Vista Park.
WTOP’s Alejandro Alvarez contributed to this report.
