Alpharetta water heater failures usually come from one worn part, such as an element, a thermostat, an igniter or a valve, and a plumber can generally replace it in one visit. A tank leaking through its shell must be replaced. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Alpharetta.
Alpharetta is an established north Fulton suburb, and about 57% of its homes were built between 1980 and 1999; census estimates put the median build year at 1996. That means original heaters, and many first replacements, are now well past typical tank life. Fulton County Public Works supplies water and sewer, treating Chattahoochee River water at the Tom Lowe plant in Johns Creek and disinfecting with chlorine. The county owns the line to the meter; the owner owns it from the meter to the house. Atlanta Gas Light maintains the gas infrastructure.
Steps to take right away
- Gas smell first. If you smell gas, leave the house without touching switches, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.
- Stop the water. Close the valve on the cold line feeding the top of the tank. For a large leak, shut the main at the meter.
- Cut the energy. Switch off the heater's breaker, or turn a gas control to off or pilot.
- Find the source. Note whether water comes from the relief pipe, the drain valve, a top fitting or the tank bottom.
- Read the label. Model, serial number and fuel help the plumber bring the right parts.
Symptoms and their usual causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water, electric | Tripped high-limit, failed element or thermostat |
| Pilot or burner won't stay lit | Thermocouple, flame sensor or draft |
| Hot water runs out fast | Lower element, sediment or broken dip tube |
| Relief valve drips | Worn valve or high pressure |
| Water under the tank | Drain valve, fittings or a failed tank |
| Rusty hot water only | Spent anode rod or corroding tank |
What affects the cost
- The part and fuel. Electric elements and thermostats are usually simpler than gas valves.
- Heater size and location. Large tanks in attics or basements take longer to drain and reach.
- Surrounding plumbing. Aging shutoffs and connectors on 1980s and 1990s installs may need replacing.
- Permits. A replacement goes through the City of Alpharetta's online trade permit portal, with inspections by the city.
On a large home with two heaters, it often pays to have both looked at in the same visit. If one original tank has failed, the other was likely installed at the same time and may not be far behind. Fulton County also publishes a lead service line inventory at fcpwleadcopper.com.
Water Heater Repair questions in Alpharetta
At what age does fixing a tank stop making sense?
Do I need a permit when a water heater gets replaced here?
Does chlorine in the local water shorten a heater's life?
The hot water smells like sulfur. Is the heater to blame?
More plumbing services in Alpharetta
Water Heater Repair nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Alpharetta housing by year built (ACS via Point2Homes)
- Fulton County Department of Public Works - Water Services: water service
- Fulton County Department of Public Works - Water Services water quality report
- Service line responsibility: Fulton County Department of Public Works - Water Services
- Natural gas provider for Alpharetta
- Atlanta Gas Light: gas leak and emergency line
- City of Alpharetta Community Development - Building/Inspections
Last updated: