Snellville's median home dates from 1991, and about 30% predate 1980, so many water heaters here are due for replacement. The city issues its own building permits and does its own inspections, and plumbing subcontractors file a subcontractor affidavit. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Snellville.
Snellville is an established southern Gwinnett suburb on US 78. Water and sewer come from Gwinnett County, which supplies soft Lake Lanier water, and gas pipes belong to Atlanta Gas Light. The city has its own building inspectors and a local amendment to the plumbing code covering water efficiency.
What to do now
- Close the cold inlet valve on top of the heater.
- Turn off the heat source. Breaker off for electric, gas control to off.
- Contain the water and keep it away from walls and flooring.
- Do not open the drain valve on a hot tank unless you have a hose to a safe drain; the water can scald.
- If you smell gas, leave the area, then call 877.427.4321 for Atlanta Gas Light or 911 from a safe place.
Signs and likely causes
| Sign | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water on the floor around the heater | Tank leak or a failing drain valve |
| Rusty hot water | Internal corrosion |
| Loud popping | Sediment buildup |
| Short hot water supply | Dip tube, element or sediment |
| Burner flame yellow or flickering | Combustion or venting issue |
Cost factors
- Fuel type, size and efficiency
- Any fixture or efficiency updates the city's local plumbing amendment calls for
- Venting, gas connector and valve condition
- Pan, drain, relief line and expansion tank
- Access and disposal of the old tank
The City of Snellville Planning and Development handles building permits and does city inspections with 24 hours' notice ((770) 985-3513 or 3514). Plumbing subcontractors file subcontractor affidavits but pay no additional permit fee. The page does not say whether a stand-alone water heater replacement needs a permit, so ask the plumber to confirm with the city. Gwinnett water is soft, about 1.3 grains per gallon on average, and Gwinnett maintains the main and meter while the owner is responsible for everything on the house side.
When you call, have the size, fuel and age from the label ready and mention where the heater is installed. A plumber who works in Snellville regularly will know how the city handles subcontractor affidavits and inspection scheduling, and can tell you whether a tankless or heat pump unit is worth pricing alongside a standard tank.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Snellville
Who issues the permit for a water heater replacement here?
Will the local water shorten the life of a new tank?
How long will we be without hot water?
Can I switch from gas to electric, or the other way around?
More plumbing services in Snellville
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