BETHESDA, Md. — A water main break at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Elm Street in Bethesda caused flooding in a homeowner’s garage during Monday’s snowfall.
A WSSC Water spokesperson stated they are unsure what caused the break along the 7200 block of Wisconsin Avenue.
On Monday night, WSSC Water posted on X, formerly Twitter, that crews were repairing a broken 16-inch water main.
“One section of the pipe needs replacing, and possibly more,” the post said. “[Crews are] carefully digging with several other utilities in the hole. Once [the] pipe is fully exposed, [crews will] have a better estimate on service restoration.”
Resident Jim Roy said he heard a “huge bang” followed by the sound of rushing water. “When you hear flowing water in your house, it’s always bad,” Roy said.
The water reportedly flowed down Elm Street, hit a snow mound, and poured into Roy’s driveway, bending his garage door.
“The amount of water taking a sharp left down my driveway was insane,” Roy said.
He and a neighbor quickly shoveled snow to redirect the water toward a nearby drain. “We cleared the area, and it really helped bypass my house,” he added.
WSSC Water said the cause of the break is still unknown but noted that such incidents are common during winter. The utility company experiences over 1,700 water main breaks and leaks annually, with around 1,100 occurring between November and February.
Roy estimates that while some items in his garage may be salvageable, others, including drywall, equipment, and a sofa, are likely a total loss. He said WSSC Water has offered to assist, starting with pumping out the floodwater.
According to WSSC Water, typical repairs take 4 to 6 hours once the damaged pipe is fully exposed.
By 1:35 a.m., the pipe was repaired, and water service was restored. The 4700 block of Wisconsin Avenue has reopened, with steel plates temporarily covering the work site to allow other utilities to inspect their lines before permanent repairs are completed.
