Leak Detection in Norcross, GA

Signs to act on

• A meter that moves with every fixture closed
• A Gwinnett bill that rises steadily over two or three cycles
• Spongy flooring around a toilet or tub
• Water stains on a ceiling under a bathroom
• A hissing sound in a wall at night
• Damp soil on the path from the meter to the house

Local conditions in Norcross

Norcross is an 1870 railroad town with a mix of older homes near the square and newer construction around it. The median home was built in 1990, and about 18% predate 1980. In older houses, the usual problems are worn valves, aging service lines and connections where remodels joined new pipe to old. In newer homes, slow leaks tend to start at fittings, supply hoses and water heater connectors.

When Gwinnett County took over the city water and sewer system in 2013, it replaced city meters with county meters and moved billing to the county. Gwinnett maintains the meter and the small pipe from the main; the private service line from the meter, the full sewer lateral and any backflow preventer are the owner's. For a break on the county side, call Gwinnett's 24-hour line at 678.376.7000.

What affects the cost

• How long it takes to isolate the leak
• Where the pipe runs: slab, crawl space, wall cavity or yard
• Equipment needed to locate the leak without broad demolition
• The scope of the repair once the leak is exposed
• Permits: the City of Norcross requires a permit for water heater replacement and for fixture work that alters piping; a simple faucet or toilet swap does not appear to need one

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Norcross. Have your meter readings and a recent bill ready, and note where you have seen water. The plumber can explain what the search will involve and, if the repair changes piping, handle the city trade permit through the Community Development Department's ePlan portal. If you are not sure the main shutoff still closes, say so; in older Norcross homes, replacing a seized valve is often the first step before the search can go any further.