Tankless Water Heater in Dacula, GA

Signs it is time to look at tankless

• The tank in the garage dates back to when the house was built
• You run out of hot water filling a large tub
• You want more room in a tight utility closet
• Your current tankless unit shows a code or will not stay lit
• Hot water takes a long time to reach an upstairs bathroom

Dacula conditions that matter

Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources supplies Dacula from Lake Lanier, treated at the Shoal Creek and Lanier plants. Gwinnett lists total hardness of about 1.05 to 1.87 grains per gallon, averaging 1.34, which is soft water. That means scale builds slowly in a heat exchanger, though most makers still want a periodic flush. Chlorine is the disinfectant.

Housing is young: the median build year is 1999 and only about 12% predate 1980, so most homes have a garage or basement wall suitable for a tankless unit and its vent. Some Dacula lots are not on municipal sewer and use a private onsite wastewater system; the water heater itself is unaffected, but a condensing unit's drain line still has to go somewhere sensible.

Gas is the local wrinkle. The City of Dacula lists the City of Buford as the natural gas provider, but some addresses may be on Atlanta Gas Light or Lawrenceville. Check your gas bill. For Buford gas leaks, call 770-932-7981 during the day or 770-932-7986 after hours, or 911. If your bill shows Atlanta Gas Light or a gas marketer, AGL's line is 877.427.4321.

What affects the cost

• Gas line size from the meter, and any meter change required by your gas utility
• Vent route and length
• Condensate drainage for high-efficiency units
• Unit capacity for the number of baths
• Recirculation for large two-story plans
• City permit picked up and paid for at Dacula City Hall

When you call

You will reach an independent plumber who works in eastern Gwinnett. Have your gas bill and the heater's label details handy. Dacula issues building permits at City Hall, 442 Harbins Road, and the City Inspector needs 24 hours' notice for inspections. Whether a standalone heater swap needs its own permit is not spelled out on the city's form, so the plumber should confirm with City Hall.