Commercial Plumbing in Brookhaven, GA

Who owns the pipes under a Brookhaven business?

Mostly DeKalb County, up to a point. The City of Brookhaven doesn't run water or sewer, and it says plainly that it can't maintain, repair or replace those assets. DeKalb County Watershed Management owns the mains, service laterals, valves, hydrants and meters, and only DeKalb or its contractors may work on them. The property owner is responsible from the meter to the connection with the building's plumbing. Report water leaks or sewer spills on the public side to DWM at 770.270.6243.

Does a restaurant or office here need a backflow assembly?

Yes. DeKalb's program requires backflow assemblies at all commercial properties, and it names churches, schools, government buildings and businesses. Irrigation systems need one too, including residential properties with a separate irrigation tap. Annual testing is required under state law, and the certified inspection report goes to DWM. DeKalb doesn't keep an approved-tester list; testers need a state license or third-party accreditation such as GAWP's GBPAT list, ASSE, ABPA or UF TREEO. Questions go to [email protected] or 404-687-4075.

That matters along Buford Highway, where many small restaurants share older strip centers. A failed test often means a repair kit or a new assembly, so leave time before the due date.

What needs a Brookhaven permit?

Any construction or redevelopment project needs a city permit, applied for and tracked through the city's online portal. The city's FAQ says a water heater replacement requires a permit and inspections under the plumbing and gas codes, and that a tradesperson doing it needs a state license. Swapping fixtures in the same location doesn't need a permit, but changing plumbing lines does. That distinction comes up constantly in tenant buildouts.

A note on older buildings

About 30% of Brookhaven's housing predates 1980, including a slice from the 1950s, and the commercial strips along Peachtree Road and Buford Highway include buildings of similar age. DeKalb's service line inventory found no known lead pipes in the county-owned system but lists private-side material as unknown, so owners of older buildings are asked to identify what runs from the meter in. A plumber can check while already on site.