Water Heater Replacement in Rex, GA

Who permits a water heater replacement in Rex?

Rex was incorporated as a town in 1912, but its charter was repealed in 1922, so county permits apply. Clayton County Community Development's Building Permits section issues building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits for residential repairs and remodels. The office is at 121 South McDonough St. in Jonesboro, (770) 477-3569. Most plumbers who work in Clayton County file this permit as part of the job.

Are Rex heaters at the age where they fail?

Many are. The median home in Rex was built in 1995, and about 19.9% predate 1980. Tanks installed with those homes are long past their expected life, and many first replacements are now aging too. Typical signs are water at the base of the tank, rusty hot water, rumbling from sediment and hot water that runs out early. A failed element or thermostat on a younger tank can be repaired, but a leaking tank should be replaced.

Which utilities matter for the job?

Clayton County Water Authority supplies water and sewer. Its service line runs from the main to the meter, and the line from the meter to the house belongs to the customer. CCWA installs and tests residential backflow devices with its own staff, so that is not something you arrange with a plumber. CCWA also offers a lead and copper inventory portal where you can look up your property.

Atlanta Gas Light owns the gas pipes, even though your bill comes from a marketer. Marketers do not handle leaks. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321.

A Rex note

When you call, give the heater's fuel, size, age and location, and mention any recent water bill spikes. If the plumber finds a leak on the line between the CCWA meter and the house during the visit, it is a private repair they can quote separately. Ask that the heater quote list the county permit, any new valves or connectors, and removal of the old tank, so you can compare prices on equal terms. If your household has outgrown the old tank, the plumber can also price a larger unit or a tankless model on the same visit.