Austell runs its own water and sewer collection system and directs medium- and high-risk businesses on installing backflow prevention devices. City plumbing permits cover piping, fixtures and water heating equipment, and gas leaks go to the city's Austell Gas System. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Austell.
Austell began as a springs settlement and railroad junction, and it still looks after more of its own utilities than most Cobb cities: a city water system, a city sewer division and its own natural gas system. Businesses here deal with the City of Austell for water, sewer, gas and permits, though Austell-addressed properties outside the city's water service area are often Cobb County Water System customers.
What to do right away
- Stop the water. Close the fixture valve or the main shutoff. Know where it is before you need it.
- If you smell gas, get out. Evacuate, then call 911 or the Austell Gas System at 770-948-1841, option 1, from outside.
- Check whether it's inside or outside. A sewer overflow in the street goes to the city; the Water Division field office is 770-944-4336.
- Note the scope. One sink versus every drain in the building tells the plumber where to start.
- Confirm your water provider. The bill shows whether you're on Austell water or Cobb County's.
Symptoms and likely causes
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Floor drains backing up in a prep area | Grease and solids in the building drain |
| Rust-tinged water from one part of the building | Aging galvanized pipe in that section |
| Water heater that can't keep up | Sediment, a failing burner or element, or undersizing |
| Water on the floor after heavy rain | Low area or drain trouble; Austell has a history of flooding along Sweetwater Creek |
| City letter about backflow protection | The business is rated medium or high risk |
Cost factors
- The age of the building; about 41% of Austell's housing predates 1980, and older commercial buildings can have galvanized or cast iron pipe
- Diagnostic time with a camera or leak locator
- After-hours work to avoid closing
- A city permit, which Austell requires to install, alter or replace plumbing, gas or drain piping, fixtures or water heating equipment
- Backflow device purchase and installation if the city calls for one
Austell's backflow page says the city works with medium- and high-risk businesses on choosing the right device. The page we reviewed doesn't state a testing interval, so ask the city before assuming a schedule.
Commercial Plumbing questions in Austell
Does a business here need a backflow prevention assembly?
What should employees do if they smell gas at work?
Our address uses this town name, but we may be outside city limits. Does that matter?
How is a commercial water heater job different from a home one?
More plumbing services in Austell
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