Gwinnett County took over Norcross's water and sewer system in 2013, and under Gwinnett's rules the homeowner owns the entire sewer lateral. So most backups that start in the house are a plumbing job. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Norcross.
Norcross is an 1870 railroad town in southwest Gwinnett, and it used to run its own water and sewer. Gwinnett County's Department of Water Resources took over the system in 2013, so the county now maintains the public mains while Gwinnett's rules put the private water line and the entire sewer lateral on the owner. Census survey data put the median home at 1990, with about 18% built before 1980. Houses near the historic downtown may have cast iron or clay; most others have plastic.
What to do now
- Turn off the flow. No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher.
- Check the scope. A single fixture is a local clog. Several fixtures or a filling floor drain means the main.
- Look outside. A manhole overflowing goes to Gwinnett DWR's emergency line, 678.376.7000.
- Find the cleanout. Usually a capped pipe near the foundation. Don't open it if water is pressing up.
- Protect the floor. Clear rugs and boxes from around drains.
Signs and their likely causes
| Sign | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Kitchen sink backs up after a big meal | Grease and food solids in the kitchen line |
| Bathroom sink and tub slow | Hair and soap in the bath branch |
| Toilet backs up with normal use | Wipes or paper towels in the toilet drain |
| Water at the lowest drain when others run | Main line blockage |
| Clog returns every few months | Roots, a belly in the line, or leftover buildup |
What affects the cost
- How far the blockage is from an access point
- Whether there's a usable outdoor cleanout
- Equipment: cable, jetter or camera
- Repair, if a section is broken or sagging
- Nights and weekends, which usually cost more
Routine clearing needs no permit. If pipe has to be altered or replaced, the City of Norcross issues trade permits through its ePlan portal.
When you call, you'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Norcross. Tell them which fixtures are affected, whether anything has overflowed, and whether your home is one of the older houses near the square. Older lines there are more likely to need a camera look after clearing, since clay or cast iron may hide cracks and root entry points that a cable can't fix.
Drain Cleaning questions in Norcross
Which part of the sewer pipe is the homeowner's responsibility?
If every drain backs up at once, should I call the utility or a plumber first?
Are wipes labeled flushable safe to flush?
Why does a drain smell like sewage?
More plumbing services in Norcross
Drain Cleaning nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: