Water Heater Replacement in Riverdale, GA

Signs a replacement is due

• A leak from the bottom of the tank or a growing rust stain on the floor
• Hot water that comes out brown or orange
• Banging, popping or rumbling as the tank heats
• A pilot light that keeps going out on an older gas unit
• Hot water that is never as hot as it used to be
• A label date older than ten to twelve years

Local conditions in Riverdale

Riverdale was founded as a railroad stop in 1886 and sits just south of Hartsfield-Jackson airport in western Clayton County. Its median home was built in 1990, and about 33.2% predate 1980. Older houses may have the heater in a closet or utility room with original valves and vent pipe; newer homes typically have it in a garage.

The City of Riverdale Department of Community Development handles building and permitting, and its Trade Permit Application covers plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits. The permitting office can be reached at 770-909-5486.

Clayton County Water Authority supplies water and sewer throughout the county. CCWA's service line runs from the main to the meter, and the line from the meter to the house is the customer's. CCWA tests residential backflow devices itself, so that is not part of a heater job.

Atlanta Gas Light owns the gas pipes; your bill may come from a marketer, but marketers do not handle leaks. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.

What affects the cost

• Fuel type, tank size and efficiency
• Tankless or heat pump upgrades
• Vent connector, gas connector and shutoff valve condition
• Closet, garage or attic access
• Drain pan, relief line or expansion tank work
• The city trade permit and removal of the old tank

What happens when you call

An independent plumber who serves Riverdale picks up. They ask about the symptom and the heater's fuel, size and location, and walk you through turning off the water and the gas or power if it is leaking. After checking the vent, gas line and space in person, they give you a price before any work begins. Ask that the permit and haul-away be listed in it.