Tankless Water Heater in Lawrenceville, GA

What happens when you call

You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in and around Lawrenceville. Expect questions about the current heater, your fuel type, the number of bathrooms and whether your gas bill comes from the City of Lawrenceville or a marketer on the Atlanta Gas Light system. If a tankless unit is already installed and failing, the error code on its display will help. For a new install, the plumber typically checks the gas pipe from the meter, the vent route and drainage for condensate.

What affects the cost

• Gas capacity. A tankless burner draws much more gas at full fire than a tank. A larger line from the meter may be needed, and a bigger meter is arranged with the gas utility.
• Vent path. Short runs out a garage or basement wall cost less than long runs through living space.
• Condensing or not. Condensing units need a drain; non-condensing units need stainless vent pipe.
• Recirculation. Useful when a far bathroom waits a long time for hot water.
• Permits and inspection. Set by the city's Planning and Development office.

Lawrenceville conditions

Lawrenceville is the Gwinnett County seat and one of the few metro cities with a municipal gas system. The City of Lawrenceville Natural Gas Department is at 435 W Pike Street. For a gas leak, leave the house first, then call 911 and the city's emergency line at 770-963-3332 from a safe place. Parts of the surrounding ZIP codes may be on Atlanta Gas Light instead (877.427.4321), so your bill is the guide.

Water is a different story. Gwinnett County bought the city's water distribution system and took it over in December 2020, so water service and billing now come from Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, while the city still bills for gas, electric and sanitation. Gwinnett water comes from Lake Lanier, is disinfected with chlorine and is soft, averaging about 1.34 grains per gallon. That is easy on a heat exchanger, though a yearly flush is still wise.

Housing is mixed: the median home was built in 1988 and about 30% predate 1980. Older homes near the downtown square may need a new vent route; newer subdivisions usually do not. The city's Building Official sits in Planning and Development (678-407-6583); the city's specific rules for water heater permits were not confirmed, so the plumber should check before starting.

Before the plumber arrives

• Find a recent gas bill to confirm the utility
• Clear space around the heater and meter
• Note the heater's age and capacity from its label
• Decide which outside wall could take a vent cap