Water Heater Replacement in Atlanta, GA

Signs the old heater is finished

• Water pooling from the tank shell or rust weeping from a seam
• Rusty hot water that clears on the cold side
• Repeated repairs on the same unit
• Loud rumbling that flushing doesn't fix
• Hot water that no longer covers the household's needs

Choosing what goes in

Most replacements are like for like: gas for gas, electric for electric, in a similar size. That keeps the job simpler. Changing fuel types, moving the heater or switching to tankless adds work such as new gas piping, venting or electrical circuits. Things worth discussing with the plumber:

1. Capacity. Count bathrooms, people and how many showers run back to back.
2. Fuel. Gas homes in Atlanta get their gas through Atlanta Gas Light's pipes, while electric units need the right breaker and wire size.
3. Location. Attic and upstairs closet installs need a drain pan and a safe place for that pan to drain.
4. Tank or tankless. A tankless unit saves floor space but needs its own planning.

Permits in the City of Atlanta

New or replacement plumbing in one- and two-family homes falls under technical permits issued by the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings. They are applied for online and need no plan review. Whether a particular water heater swap needs one is a question to put to the plumber or the Office of Buildings before work begins.

What a proper install covers

Expect the plumber to shut off water and fuel, drain and haul away the old tank, set the new one, and connect supply lines with shutoff valves. The relief valve needs a discharge pipe routed to a safe spot. Gas units need a correctly sized vent and a check for leaks at the gas connection. Finally the tank is filled before power or gas is turned on, which protects the elements and burner.

Older Atlanta homes

About 42.7% of the city's housing was built before 1980. In those houses, a replacement can turn up galvanized pipe near the heater, an outdated vent or a closet that was never built for a modern tank. Ask the plumber to point out anything like that so you can plan for it.

What affects the total

Tank size and type, fuel, location, any code upgrades and haul-away all play a part. Get the full scope in writing before the old heater comes out.