Burst Pipe Repair in Clarkston, GA

Clarkston's homes skew older: the median was built in 1979, about 53% predate 1980 and roughly 31% went up in the 1970s alone. DeKalb County manages the city's water and sewer, and its Watershed department owns the line up to and including the meter. From the meter to the house is the owner's responsibility. The city points residents to DeKalb County Water and Sewer at 770-621-7200, and DeKalb's 24-hour emergency repair number is 770-270-6243. Clarkston also requires a city permit for fixture work that alters piping.

First steps while you wait

1. Find the main valve and turn it off. In many homes it sits in the crawl space, basement, garage or a utility closet near the water heater.
2. Open a downstairs tap and an outside spigot to empty what is left in the system.
3. Make it safe. If water has reached outlets, cords or the panel area, turn off those circuits before stepping into it.
4. Turn the water heater down. Switch an electric unit off at the breaker or set a gas unit to pilot so it doesn't heat a tank that may be draining.
5. Take photos and video of the break and the damage before cleanup, for insurance.

Symptom and likely cause

What shapes the bill

• The number of repairs. One crack is a short job; several along an outside wall add up.
• Where the pipe sits. Exposed runs are quick to reach; pipes behind cabinets, tile or ceilings add labor.
• What the house is plumbed with. Matching PEX or copper is routine; old galvanized or mixed materials take extra transition work.
• Yard work. A leak on the service line between the meter and the house means digging, and sometimes replacing that run.
• Extra work you choose, such as rerouting a line that keeps freezing or adding pipe insulation and frost-free hose bibs.
• Timing. Night, weekend and holiday calls generally cost more than a weekday visit.