Tankless Water Heater in Stone Mountain, GA

What happens when you call

You will reach an independent plumber who serves the Stone Mountain area. Let them know whether the house is inside city limits or in the larger unincorporated Stone Mountain mailing area, since that changes the permit office. Expect questions about the heater's age, fuel type, location and the number of bathrooms. A visit for a new install checks the gas pipe, a vent route to an outside wall, condensate drainage and an outlet.

Cost factors

• Gas supply. Pipe from the 1960s through the 1980s was sized for a tank and furnace.
• Venting. A sealed tankless vent replaces the old flue.
• Relocation. Moving the heater to an exterior wall adds piping but can simplify venting.
• Condensate. Needed for condensing units.
• Permit. The city's plumbing permit application.

Stone Mountain conditions

The City of Stone Mountain is a historic village at the western base of the mountain, with a preserved Main Street from around 1900. About 65.5% of city housing units were built between 1960 and 1989, and the median build year is 1979. Ranches and split-levels from that era often put the heater in a basement or closet beside the furnace.

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management supplies water and sewer; city Public Works does not handle either, and DeKalb takes those calls at (770) 270-6243. Water comes from the Chattahoochee River, treated at the Scott Candler plant. DeKalb's report does not list hardness, so test before setting a descaling schedule.

The city requires separate trade permits and asks residents to contact City Hall before any construction. Permits are processed by Permit Service Group for the city, with inspections by SAFEbuilt. Unincorporated Stone Mountain addresses go through DeKalb County. The city's utilities page lists only the Public Service Commission for gas; Atlanta Gas Light is the likely pipe utility, so check your bill. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 and AGL at 877.427.4321 from outside.

Before the plumber arrives

• Confirm whether you are inside city limits
• Clear space around the heater, furnace and meter
• Note the heater's age and capacity
• Think about an outside wall for the vent cap