Burst Pipe Repair in Stone Mountain, GA

After you call

When you call, you're connected with a local plumber working in Stone Mountain, not a call center that does the repair. Expect a few quick questions: is the water off, where is the leak, and is anything electrical wet. The visit usually starts with confirming the break, then cutting back to sound pipe, splicing in a new section and pressure-testing before the walls are closed.

Why repair bills vary

• Whether there is more than one break. Plumbers check the whole cold run, since freezes rarely stop at one split.
• Yard work. A leak on the service line between the meter and the house means digging, and sometimes replacing that run.
• Upgrades done at the same visit, such as insulating the run or moving it away from an exterior wall.
• When you call. After-hours and holiday service usually carries a higher rate than a scheduled daytime visit.
• How easy the break is to reach: an open crawl space or basement costs less time than a pipe sealed behind tile or finished drywall.
• The pipe material. Copper, CPVC and PEX splice in easily, while tying new pipe into old galvanized steel takes more fittings and time.

Stone Mountain's homes and DeKalb water

The City of Stone Mountain is a historic village at the base of the mountain, with a Main Street dating from around 1900. About 65% of its housing went up between 1960 and 1989, and about 52% predates 1980, so many homes have pipe that is decades old. DeKalb County Watershed Management handles water and sewer; city Public Works does not. DeKalb owns the service line from the main through the meter, and the owner is responsible from the meter to the house. For water and sewer emergencies, the city directs residents to DeKalb at (770) 270-6243.

The city requires separate trade permits for plumbing, using its Plumbing Permit Application, and asks residents to contact City Hall before construction. Large Stone Mountain-mailing areas outside city limits are unincorporated and go to the county instead.

Quick checklist before the plumber arrives

• Power to flooded rooms is switched off.
• You've taken photos and video of the damage.
• You have an idea of the pipe type (copper, PEX, CPVC or galvanized).
• Kids and pets are kept clear of the wet area.
• The main valve is closed and you know where it is.