In Sugar Hill, a water heater that fails usually has one bad part, such as an element, a thermostat, an igniter or a valve, and a plumber can generally replace it in one trip. A tank leaking through its body needs replacing. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Sugar Hill.
Sugar Hill is a fast-growing north Gwinnett city near Lake Lanier. It mails as Buford (ZIP 30518), but its water and sewer come from Gwinnett County's Department of Water Resources, not the City of Buford. That water is drawn from Lake Lanier, disinfected with chlorine and soft, about 1.34 grains per gallon on average. Gas is a different story: Sugar Hill runs its own natural gas utility, so gas leaks go to the city, not Atlanta Gas Light. On city gas service, the pipe on the house side of the meter, including the line to the heater, belongs to the customer. Housing-age figures for the city weren't available.
What to do now
- Gas smell first. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 or the City of Sugar Hill Gas Department's leak line at (770) 271-2137 from outside.
- Stop the water. Close the valve on the cold line feeding the top of the tank. For a large leak, shut the main at the meter.
- Cut the energy. Switch off the heater's breaker, or turn a gas control to off or pilot.
- Find the source. Note whether water comes from the relief pipe, the drain valve, a top fitting or the tank bottom.
- Read the label. Model, serial number and fuel help the plumber bring the right parts.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Element, thermostat, igniter or thermocouple |
| Hot water runs short | Lower element, sediment, dip tube |
| Sulfur smell on the hot side | Anode rod reaction |
| Relief valve dripping | Worn valve or pressure |
| Water under the tank | Drain valve, fittings or failed tank |
What affects the cost
- The part. Elements and thermostats are simpler than gas valves.
- Gas side work. The gas line downstream of the city meter is the owner's, so connector or shutoff work at the heater is part of the job.
- Location. Attic and closet units take longer.
- Permit. Sugar Hill Building Services takes permit applications; the city notes Gwinnett County inspects water, sewer and fire codes.
For water emergencies on the county side, Gwinnett's 24-hour dispatch is 678.376.7000. Gas customer service is (770) 945-6716.
Water Heater Repair questions in Sugar Hill
My gas bill comes from a marketer. Who handles a leak at the water heater?
Our county water is soft. Does that change anything for the anode rod?
Do I need a permit when a water heater gets replaced here?
The hot water smells like sulfur. Is the heater to blame?
More plumbing services in Sugar Hill
Water Heater Repair nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources: water service
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources water quality report
- Gwinnett County: drinking water quality
- Natural gas provider for Sugar Hill
- City of Sugar Hill Gas Department: gas leak and emergency line
- City of Sugar Hill: gas tap and meter application
- City of Sugar Hill Planning & Development - Building Services
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