Morrow's sewer comes from the Clayton County Water Authority, which is headquartered in the city, but the drains and building sewer on each property are the owner's. About 62% of Morrow homes were built before 1980. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Morrow.
Morrow is a small, diverse city along I-75, anchored by Southlake Mall and Clayton State University and home to the Georgia Archives. The Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA), which serves the whole county, has its headquarters on Battle Creek Road in Morrow and provides water, sewer and stormwater service here. Census survey data put the median Morrow home at 1971, with about 62% built before 1980. Houses of that age usually have cast iron drains that scale and narrow inside and older yard lines with joints where roots get in. Rentals near the university can also see heavy use, with more grease and wipes going down the drains.
A quick response limits the mess when a main line backs up, especially in a single-story home where the lowest drain is a tub or shower.
What to do now
- Stop using water. No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher.
- Gauge the problem. One fixture is a local clog. Several, or the lowest drain filling, means the main.
- Check the street. Sewage from a manhole goes to CCWA at 770-960-5200, which also takes after-hours emergencies.
- Renters, call the landlord. The owner usually arranges drain work.
- Protect floors. Move belongings away from low drains.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Rust flakes after a drain clears | Scale inside old cast iron |
| Toilet backs up with normal use | Wipes or paper in the toilet drain |
| Tub fills when the toilet flushes | Main building drain blocked |
| Kitchen sink slow for weeks | Grease narrowing the kitchen line |
| Clog returns every summer | Roots in an older yard line |
What affects the cost
- Where the clog sits and how far from an access point
- Whether there's an outdoor cleanout; older homes may lack one
- Cable, jetting or camera work
- Repair if the pipe is cracked or root-packed
- Night and weekend timing
Routine clearing needs no permit. Morrow's Planning & Economic Development Department issues plumbing permits for repair work, through Community Core or on paper at City Hall. When you call, you'll be connected with an independent plumber who covers Morrow; mention the age of the house and any past clogs, since a camera look may be worth adding in an older home.
Drain Cleaning questions in Morrow
Why do drains in older homes clog more often?
If every drain backs up at once, should I call the utility or a plumber first?
Are wipes labeled flushable safe to flush?
Should I have the line inspected with a camera after it's cleared?
More plumbing services in Morrow
Drain Cleaning nearby
Sources
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