Inside city limits, the City of Buford runs its own sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant, while Buford-mailing addresses outside the city may be on Gwinnett County instead. Either way, the pipe from your house to the public system is what a private plumber repairs. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Buford.
What happens when you call
You'll be connected with an independent plumber who serves Buford. Describe which drains are backing up, how long it's been happening and whether the line has been cleared before. Expect the plumber to restore flow first, then camera the lateral to find the cause, identify the pipe material and measure the depth. That footage is what any repair recommendation should rest on.
If the trouble looks like it's in the city's main, Buford's after-hours utility service emergency line is 770-932-7986, and customer service is 678-889-4600.
What affects the cost
- How deep the pipe is and how long the damaged stretch runs
- What's above it: lawn, drive, hardscape or trees
- Spot repair, liner or replacement
- Cleanout access
- Permits from the city's Inspection Department inside city limits, or from Gwinnett County Planning & Development for unincorporated Buford-mailing addresses
Local conditions in Buford
Buford sits at the southern end of Lake Lanier and grew up as a railroad stop nicknamed the Leather City for its saddle, harness and shoe makers. Today it's known for the Mall of Georgia, its parks and its schools. Unlike most Gwinnett cities, Buford runs its own utilities, including water, sewer and natural gas. The Sewer Department operates the collection system and treatment plant under a state permit, and it runs a fats, oils and grease program to keep grease out of the sewer, where it causes blockages.
The median home dates to about 1996, but roughly a quarter were built before 1980, mostly in the older parts of town near downtown and Tannery Row. Those homes may have cast iron or clay laterals. Newer homes generally have PVC, where settling, roots and later construction are the more common problems.
Buford-mailing ZIPs reach beyond city limits, including into Sugar Hill, and service there may come from Gwinnett County. The sewer service area boundary isn't spelled out, so check your bill.
Checklist before the visit
- Stop water use where possible
- Find the cleanout near the foundation
- Note which drain showed the problem first
- Keep grease and wipes out of every drain until the line is fixed
- Check your bill to confirm whether Buford or Gwinnett provides sewer
Sewer Line Repair questions in Buford
My mailing address names this town, but I live outside city limits. Who handles my sewer?
Who do I call if the backup might be in the public sewer main?
Will grease and wipes really damage my sewer line?
Is it better to fix one section or replace the whole lateral?
More plumbing services in Buford
Sewer Line Repair nearby
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