Snellville's sewer comes from Gwinnett County Water Resources, and the county makes property owners responsible for the entire sewer lateral, including its connection to the county sewer. About 30% of Snellville homes were built before 1980, so many laterals are well into middle age. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Snellville.
Snellville's sewer setup
The city has no water or sewer department; its building permits require sewer tap receipts from Gwinnett County. The median home dates to about 1991, with roughly 30% built before 1980, so you'll find both older cast iron or clay and newer PVC laterals around town, sometimes on the same street where older homes sit beside newer infill. Gwinnett's rule applies to all of them: the owner is responsible for the whole lateral, connection included.
Snellville also has a local amendment to the plumbing code covering water efficiency, so expect a permit and inspection on any sewer repair inside city limits.
What to do right now
- Stop running water so the backup doesn't spread.
- Keep children and pets out of the area, and open windows if sewage has surfaced.
- Ask neighbors whether their drains are affected. If they are, call Gwinnett's 24-hour report-a-problem line at 678.376.7000.
- If it's just your house, look for the cleanout near the foundation.
- Call a plumber, noting which drain backed up first and when.
Symptoms and likely causes
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Tub fills when a toilet flushes | Blockage in the building sewer |
| Gurgling during laundry | Partial clog in the main line |
| Recurring clog every few weeks | Roots at a joint, or a sag holding debris |
| Sewage smell outdoors | Cracked or separated pipe |
| Problem only at the county connection | Still the owner's under Gwinnett's rule; a camera confirms the spot |
Cost factors
- Depth and length of the damaged section
- Lawn, driveway, patio or trees over the pipe
- Section repair, lining or a new lateral
- Cleanout access, which some older homes lack
- Whether the damage reaches the tie-in at the county sewer, which still counts as the owner's
- City of Snellville permits and inspections; the city issues its own permits, does its own inspections with 24 hours' notice, and has plumbing subcontractors file affidavits
A plumber will usually clear the line and run a camera before quoting, since footage of the defect, its depth and the pipe material is what separates a small repair from a larger one. Ask for a copy for your records, especially in an older home where the lateral may have been patched before.
Sewer Line Repair questions in Snellville
Which part of the sewer pipe is mine to fix, and which belongs to the utility?
Sewage is coming up in a tub or floor drain. What should I do right away?
Does sewer line work need a permit here?
Why do my drains get sluggish after a heavy rain?
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