Commercial Plumbing in Buford, GA

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who handles commercial work in Buford. First confirm whether the business is inside city limits. Buford's ZIPs reach well beyond the city, including Sugar Hill, and outside addresses may be on Gwinnett County water and use Gwinnett County permits. Then describe the business, the fixtures involved and the hours the space can be closed. Restaurants around the Mall of Georgia should mention their grease interceptor or trap, since that drives the equipment a plumber brings.

Cost factors

• Grease load and how far down the building drain a blockage sits
• Whether gas piping is involved, which in Buford means coordinating with the city gas department
• Diagnostic work such as a camera or leak locator
• Night or early-morning scheduling around retail hours
• City plan review and inspection steps, or Gwinnett County steps outside city limits

Local conditions in Buford

Buford is unusual for a Gwinnett city: it runs its own water, sewer and gas. Water comes from Lake Lanier through the city's membrane ultrafiltration plant, plus a small share bought from Gwinnett County. The Sewer Department operates the collection system and a treatment plant, and it runs a fats, oils and grease program to keep grease out of the sanitary sewer, where it causes blockages. For a restaurant, bakery or food court tenant, that program is the one to ask about before a buildout. Customer service is at 678-889-4600, and after-hours utility emergencies go to 770-932-7986.

We did not find a published City of Buford backflow testing program in the sources reviewed for this page, so ask the Water Department what your connection needs rather than assuming a schedule. The city keeps a service line inventory that can be viewed at City Hall.

Gas is the city's too. If anyone smells gas, leave first, then call 911 or the Buford gas leak line from a safe place: 770-932-7981 by day, or 770-932-7986 after hours, weekends and holidays. Permits inside the city go through the Inspection Department, inspections@cityofbuford.com or 678-546-3514. Buford's median home dates to 1996, with about 25% built before 1980. The city grew up as a railroad stop known as the Leather City, so its oldest buildings sit near downtown.

Before the plumber arrives

• Confirm city or county service from the water bill
• Note when the grease trap or interceptor was last pumped
• Find the main water shutoff and the gas meter
• List the affected fixtures