Pipe ER Loan

PipeER is administered by the WSSC Federal Credit Union (WSSC FCU) in partnership with WSSC Water regarding the Water and Sewer Line Pipe Emergency Replacement Loan Program.

PipeER Loan brochure (English)
Pipe ER Loan brochure (Spanish)

Pipe ER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is Pipe ER?
PipeER is the Water and Sewer Line Pipe Emergency Replacement Loan Program. The loan finances the replacement of water and sewer service lines on residential properties. PipeER also covers diagnostic work, like camera inspections, to diagnose pipe issues. Qualified customers are eligible to receive a maximum loan amount of $10,000.

How was this loan program established?
This loan program was established during the 2018 Maryland legislation session, when House Bill 408 was passed and was subsequently expanded in 2024. The legislation requires an annual budget of $200,000 for the loan program per year, from Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 through FY 2034. Funds will be made available on a first come, first served basis each year.

What can the loans be used for? 
They can be used to finance the replacement of water and sewer service lines on residential properties, along with diagnostic work completed to diagnose pipe issues.

How do I qualify for a loan?
WSSC Federal Credit Union is responsible for underwriting and administering the loans under this program, therefore all contact regarding the application process should be directed to WSSC FCU at 240-459-8008. However, customers must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a residential customer and owner of the property where the pipe-related work is taking place.
  • Have received a WSSC Water 30-day leak letter/notification.
  • Meet the WSSC FCU’s minimum underwriting standards.
  • Obtain two quotes from WSSC Water-registered licensed plumbers for a water service line replacement. Sewer line diagnostics may be performed by a WSSC Water licensed plumber without receipt of the quote.

How do I find a WSSC Water licensed plumber?
A list of registered licensed plumbers can be found on the WSSC Water website at: wsscwater.com/findplumber

Who determines if I qualify?
The loan program is administered by WSSC Federal Credit Union, who will review the loans. 

Are there any restrictions associated with the loan?
Liens will be placed on the residential properties of the loan recipients until the loan is paid in full.

How will the plumber be paid?
Once approved, the loan amount will be sent directly to a WSSC Water licensed plumber. Any additional cost over the loan amount must be paid by the customer.

How many loans will be administered each year?
The annual budget for each WSSC Water fiscal year is $200,000. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, each fiscal year until the $200,000 program fund is depleted.

Loan Details

  • Loan requests must be at least $500 but may not exceed $10,000.
  • A borrower may have only one loan at a time.
  • Repayment terms range from 12-60 months.
  • The loan interest rate is equal to the Prime Rate* – 1.00%, with a floor of 4.50% APR. The current rate is 7.50% APR**. A discount of 0.50% will be applied to loans paid through direct deposit. (Rate effective July 1, 2024)
  • Applicants must meet the Credit Union’s minimum underwriting standards to qualifed.
  • Funds will be paid directly to the WSSC Water licensed plumber completing the work.
  • If a loan is issued, the borrower will become a member of WSSC Federal Credit Union.
  • Loans under the program are underwritten by WSSC Federal Credit Union, however borrowers will be required to acknowledge that WSSC Water will record a lien on the property.
  • Any additional cost over the loan amount must be paid by the customer.

*As of the prior June 30th
**APR=Annual Percentage Rate

Instructions for Applying for a Pipe ER Loan

Click here to apply after reading the instructions below

Please enter the following when prompted during the application process:

  • Are you a member of WSSC Federal Credit Union – Answer “No” or “Yes”, if you are currently a member.
  • Select Loan Type – Answer “Pipeline ER”
  • Amount Requested – Minimum is $500/Maximum is $10,000
  • Purpose – Answer “Pipeline ER”
  • Collateral – Answer “Home”
  • Would you like to add insurance protection to this loan? – Answer “Yes”, if you are interested in adding credit life and/or disability insurance to the loan