Dunwoody treats a water heater replacement as a single-trade component permit, and work may not begin until it is issued. About 44% of the city's homes predate 1980, so many heaters and their connections are due for an update. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Dunwoody.
Dunwoody's housing grew fast in the 1960s and 1970s; the 1970s alone account for roughly 28% of homes, and the median year built is 1984. Many houses have the heater in a basement or garage, often on its third or fourth tank, with older valves and vent pipe still in place. DeKalb County supplies water and sewer, and Atlanta Gas Light runs the gas lines.
What to do now
- Shut the cold inlet. The valve is on the pipe going into the top of the heater.
- Turn off gas or power. Set the gas control to off, or switch off the heater's breaker.
- Check where the water is going. In a finished basement, move rugs and boxes and get water toward a floor drain if there is one.
- Know the permit rule. Dunwoody requires the permit to be issued before work starts, so a same-day swap depends on the plumber getting it over the counter or online.
- Smell gas? Leave immediately, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Drip from under the tank jacket | Inner tank has rusted through |
| Water at the top fittings | Loose or corroded connection, often repairable |
| Rotten-egg smell in hot water | Anode rod reaction in an aging tank |
| Short bursts of hot water | Failed dip tube or heavy sediment |
| Relief valve discharging | Excess pressure or temperature |
Cost factors
- Fuel type, capacity and efficiency
- Venting and gas connector updates in older homes
- New shutoff valve, connectors and expansion tank if needed
- Basement stairs or tight access
- The city single-trade permit and disposal of the old heater
Dunwoody Community Development issues single-trade component permits over the counter, online through its CentralSquare portal or by mail; first-time contractors must show a contractor's license, business license and photo ID. The permits line is 678-382-6821. DeKalb County is responsible for the service line through the meter, while the line into the house is yours. If the plumber notices that pipe is old galvanized steel while working near the heater, it is worth asking about, since DeKalb's inventory lists customer-side line material as unknown in many homes.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Dunwoody
Who issues the permit for a water heater replacement here?
Does an older house make the replacement more involved?
How long will we be without hot water?
Is this a good time to switch to a tankless unit?
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