Roughly 60% of Doraville homes were built before 1980, so a tankless upgrade usually involves new venting and a check of the gas pipe. Plumbing work goes on the city's trade permit, which needs a notarized property-owner affidavit. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Doraville.
Doraville conditions
Doraville grew up around the former General Motors assembly plant, and much of its housing reflects that era: the median home was built in 1975. Mid-century ranches typically have the water heater in a utility closet, carport storage room or basement, with a flue through the roof and gas pipe sized for a tank and furnace. A tankless unit needs a sealed vent and more gas at full fire, so most installs include a vent through an outside wall and a new gas run.
Water comes from DeKalb County Watershed Management, treated from the Chattahoochee River at the Scott Candler plant. The county report does not give a hardness figure. Gas pipes are Atlanta Gas Light's, so a meter change for a larger load is arranged through AGL, while the house piping is the plumber's job.
Permits run through the Planning and Community Development office at 2421 Van Fleet Circle. Plumbing is filed on the Trade Permit Application through Cloudpermit, and every permit needs a notarized homeowner or property-owner affidavit. Payment by phone is not accepted.
Choices compared
| Choice | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Gas tankless, condensing | Highest efficiency, plastic vent | Needs a condensate drain |
| Gas tankless, non-condensing | No condensate line | Stainless vent pipe, lower efficiency |
| Electric tankless | No venting | Large circuits that older panels may lack |
| Standard tank | Reuses the existing flue | Standby losses and floor space |
Signs to act
- Tank older than about a decade with rust at the fittings
- Hot water runs out during busy mornings
- Tankless unit shows an error or will not ignite
- Gradually weaker hot water flow
- A pilot that keeps going out on an older tank
Timing notes
Because every permit needs a notarized affidavit, allow a little extra time before work can start. Winter is the hardest season on an undersized tankless unit, since the incoming water is colder. Planning the switch while your old tank still works gives you time for the affidavit, permit and any gas work without going days with cold showers. If a gas odor shows up at any point, leave the house, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from a safe place.
Tankless Water Heaters questions in Doraville
Do I need a permit to switch to a tankless water heater?
Is my current gas pipe big enough for a tankless unit?
Can an electric tankless heater handle a whole house?
What happens to my old tank water heater?
More plumbing services in Doraville
Tankless Water Heaters nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: