Tankless Water Heater in Buford, GA

What happens when you call

The number on this page connects you with an independent plumber who takes tankless work in the Buford area. Expect a few questions up front: whether you have gas or electric now, where the current heater sits, how many bathrooms the house has and whether the address is inside city limits. From there the plumber can tell you if a site visit is the next step and what the visit will look at, such as gas pipe size, vent route and condensate drainage.

What drives the cost

• Gas supply. A tankless burner draws far more gas at full fire than a tank. If the house line is too small, a larger run from the meter is needed, and a meter change goes through the City of Buford Gas Department.
• Vent path. Short sidewall runs from a garage cost less than long runs through finished space.
• Unit type. Condensing units are more efficient but need a condensate drain.
• Recirculation. Larger homes near the Mall of Georgia often have long runs to the far bathroom.
• Permit. Inside the city, the Buford Inspection Department handles review and inspections.

Buford conditions

Buford's water comes from Lake Lanier, treated at the city's membrane ultrafiltration plant, with a small share bought from Gwinnett County. Chlorine is the disinfectant. The city report does not state hardness, so a water test is the way to set a descaling interval. The housing stock is fairly young, with a median build year of 1996 and about a quarter of homes from before 1980, which means most garages and basements can take a wall-hung unit without much rework.

Gas is where Buford stands apart. The City of Buford Gas Department serves more than 46,000 customers across several counties. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 or the Buford gas leak line from a safe place: 770-932-7981 during the day, 770-932-7986 after hours, weekends and holidays.

Permits inside city limits go through the Buford Inspection Department (678-546-3514). Unincorporated addresses with a Buford label are handled by Gwinnett County Planning and Development.

Before the plumber arrives

• Clear a path to the current heater and the gas meter
• Have a recent gas bill handy to confirm the utility
• Note the age and size printed on your tank's label
• Know whether the address is inside city limits