Water Heater Replacement in Lithia Springs, GA

Local conditions in Lithia Springs

Lithia Springs was a city until residents dissolved its charter in 2000, so today Douglas County handles permits. The county requires plumbing permits for new or renovation work and issues them from its Building Permits and Inspections office at 4655 Timber Ridge Dr. in Douglasville (770-920-7201; inspection requests 770-920-7333). The county's page does not name water heaters specifically, so ask the plumber to confirm.

The median home was built in 1987, and about 34.4% of homes predate 1980. Older houses may have a heater in a tight closet or utility room with original valves, and newer homes usually have it in a garage or attic.

Water and sewer come from the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA). Its water comes from the Dog River Reservoir, is treated with free chlorine, and its service line inventory found no lead lines in its system. WSA owns the meter and the lines in the road; you own the water and sewer lines from the meter to the house.

Gas service in eastern Douglas County, including Lithia Springs, comes through the Austell Gas System, a municipal system owned by the City of Austell. If you smell gas, leave first, then call Austell Gas at 770-948-1841, option 1, or 911.

Repair or replace?

Warning signs

• Puddles or rust at the base of the heater
• Brown or metallic-tasting hot water
• Rumbling while the burner runs
• A relief valve that drips

Timing

Aging tanks often fail during the coldest weeks, when they run longest. If your heater is past ten years, planning a replacement in spring or fall avoids a scramble and leaves time for the county permit. When you call, have the size, fuel and age from the label ready, and mention whether the heater sits in a closet, garage or attic. Older closet installs can need a narrower tank or a vent update, and attic installs need a pan and drain line, so knowing the spot helps the plumber quote accurately.