In Fairburn, a water heater that stops working usually has one bad part, like an element, a thermostat, an igniter or a valve, and a plumber can often replace it in one trip. A tank that leaks through its shell needs replacing. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Fairburn.
Fairburn is a railroad town and former Campbell County seat on I-85, with a small historic downtown ringed by newer subdivisions; nearly two-thirds of homes were built in 2000 or later, and census estimates put the median build year at 2004. Heaters original to those houses are now at the age when tanks commonly fail. Fairburn Utilities, the city's own utility, provides water bought from the City of Atlanta through 19 master meters and disinfected with chlorine, and its service line inventory found no lead lines. The city notes that not all utility services are available in all areas.
Steps right now
- Gas smell first. If you smell gas, leave the house without touching switches, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.
- Stop the water. Close the valve on the cold line feeding the top of the tank. For a large leak, shut the main at the meter.
- Cut the energy. Switch off the heater's breaker, or turn a gas control to off or pilot.
- Find the source. Note whether water comes from the relief pipe, the drain valve, a top fitting or the tank bottom.
- Read the label. Model, serial number and fuel help the plumber bring the right parts.
Symptom and cause
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Element, thermostat, igniter or thermocouple |
| Hot water runs short | Lower element, sediment |
| Popping noises | Sediment at the tank bottom |
| Relief valve drip | Worn valve or pressure |
| Tank leaking | Failed tank; replacement needed |
What drives the price
- The component. Elements and thermostats are simpler than gas valves.
- Heater age. On a 2000s original, a costly part may not be worthwhile.
- Location. Attic installs take longer.
- Permit. Fairburn requires a permit for any work by a trade contractor, with an MEP application through the Building Division on NW Broad Street.
For water problems on the city's side of the meter, Fairburn's emergency and meter line is (770) 969-3481. Anything from the meter into the house, including the heater, is a plumber's job. Fairburn does not list natural gas among its city utilities, and Atlanta Gas Light is the expected pipe operator.
Water Heater Repair questions in Fairburn
At what age does fixing a tank stop making sense?
Do I need a permit when a water heater gets replaced here?
How often is it worth draining sediment out of the tank?
Water is pooling under my heater. Is the tank finished?
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