Water Heater Replacement in Norcross, GA

The City of Norcross requires a permit to replace a water heater, along with gas piping and fixture work that alters piping, so a proper replacement includes the city filing. Water and sewer have come from Gwinnett County since the county took over the city system in 2013. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Norcross.

Norcross is a historic 1870 railroad town in southwest Gwinnett. Its median home was built in 1990, and about 18.3% predate 1980. Gwinnett County supplies soft Lake Lanier water, and Atlanta Gas Light owns the gas lines. The city's Community Development Department issues trade permits, including the one a water heater replacement needs.

What to do now

Shut off the inlet. Turn the cold-water valve above the heater to closed.
Turn off the heat source. Gas control to off, or the breaker off for electric.
Manage the water. Towels, buckets and a wet vac keep a slow leak from spreading.
Do not try to fix a leaking tank. Once the shell leaks, replacement is the only fix.
If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.

Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Norcross.

(404) 637-2993

Signs and likely causes

Sign	Likely cause
Puddle under the tank	Tank failure or a leaking drain valve
Hot water runs out quickly	Sediment buildup or a failed dip tube
Discolored hot water	Corrosion inside the tank
Hissing or sizzling	Water dripping onto the burner from a leak
Relief valve discharge	High pressure, high temperature or a worn valve

Cost factors

Fuel type, capacity and efficiency
Gas piping changes, which also need a city permit
Venting and shutoff valve updates
Pan, drain and expansion tank where required
Access in closets, attics and basements
The trade permit and disposal of the old unit

The Norcross Community Development Department is at 65 Lawrenceville Street (678-421-2027), and trade permit documents are uploaded through the city's ePlan portal. Gwinnett County maintains the meter and the small pipe from the main to it; everything on the customer's side of the meter is the owner's. Gwinnett water is soft, averaging about 1.34 grains per gallon, so scale is less of a worry than sediment. Ask the plumber whether the permit is in the price. Because the city also permits gas piping separately, mention up front if you are thinking about moving the heater or switching from electric to gas, so both pieces can be filed together. Have the label details ready, and say where the heater sits, so the plumber can plan for a basement stair, an attic hatch or a tight closet.

Water Heater Replacement questions in Norcross

Who issues the permit for a water heater replacement here?

The City of Norcross Community Development Department. Its permit checklist lists water heater replacement, with documents uploaded through the city's ePlan portal.

Who fixes a leak between the water meter and the house?

The homeowner. Gwinnett County maintains the meter and the pipe from the main to it, and everything on the house side of the meter belongs to the property owner.

Can I switch from gas to electric, or the other way around?

Yes, though changing fuels adds work. Running new gas piping needs its own city permit in Norcross, and going electric may need a new circuit.

How long will we be without hot water?

A same-type swap usually takes part of a day. Gas piping changes or relocation take longer.