Clarkston's water and sewer are managed by DeKalb County, which owns the service line from the main through the meter. The property owner is responsible from the meter to the home's plumbing, and the city requires a trade permit for piping work. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Clarkston.
Clarkston is a small inner-ring DeKalb city just outside I-285, long known as a refugee-resettlement hub. Its housing is largely 1970s and 1980s apartments and homes: the median build year is 1979, about 53% predate 1980, and roughly 31% were built in the 1970s alone. Lines of that age often fail in more than one place. The city handles only storm drains; water and sewer questions go to DeKalb County, which the city lists at 770-621-7200. Many properties here are apartments or rentals, where the owner or manager is responsible for arranging the repair.
What to do now
- Stop the water at the main valve inside the house.
- Look at the meter box. Water there is DeKalb's; call its 24-hour emergency repair line, 770-270-6243.
- Test with the meter with all water off to confirm a leak on your side.
- If you rent, tell the property owner or manager right away, since the line belongs to the property.
- Mark the wet area and photograph it.
Symptoms and causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Wet patch between the meter and house | Leak on the private service line |
| Rust-colored cold water | Corroding galvanized pipe in a 1970s home |
| Low pressure throughout | Underground leak or regulator failure |
| Water in the meter box | DeKalb's side of the meter |
| Rising bill | Hidden leak or a running toilet |
Cost factors
- Pipe age. With so much 1970s housing, replacement is often recommended.
- Access. Shared driveways, parking areas and tight lots.
- Surface. Concrete walks and mature trees.
- Method. Spot repair, trench or bore.
- Permit. Clarkston requires a trade permit for fixture work involving piping alterations and for new plumbing, through its SagesGov portal; the office is on Park North Boulevard.
DeKalb keeps a lead and copper service line inventory with a "Check your line" tool, and its 2026 report advises extra flushing for homes with lead or galvanized service lines. A plumber can confirm your line's material while it's exposed. When you call the number on this page, you reach a referral service, not a plumbing company. It connects you with an independent local plumber who works in Clarkston and nearby DeKalb, who will ask where the water is, how long it's been there and whether the meter moves with the house quiet.
Water Line Repair questions in Clarkston
Who handles a leak inside the meter box?
When is replacing the whole line smarter than patching one spot?
Does discolored water mean my service line is failing?
How can I use the water meter to check for a hidden leak?
More plumbing services in Clarkston
Water Line Repair nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: