Fairburn runs its own water utility but buys the water from the City of Atlanta, and the city's Building Division requires a permit for any trade work, plumbing included. Plumber Atlanta does not send its own crew; it is a no-cost line that links you with independent plumbers. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Fairburn.
Plumbing services in Fairburn
An old county seat on I-85
Fairburn grew up along the railroad and served as the seat of Campbell County until that county merged into Fulton in 1932. It is in south Fulton on Interstate 85 and Georgia 74, about 18 miles from downtown Atlanta, and had 16,483 residents in 2020. A small historic downtown is surrounded by mostly newer subdivisions, and the Georgia Renaissance Festival grounds are in Fairburn.
A young housing stock
Fairburn's median home was built in 2004, and nearly two-thirds of homes date from 2000 or later; only about 20% predate 1980. That shapes the work. Many homes are at the age where the first water heater is due for replacement, where PEX or CPVC fittings and supply hoses start to weep, and where builder-grade faucets and toilet parts wear out. The older homes near downtown are where drain and supply problems tend to be more involved.
City utility, Atlanta water
Fairburn Utilities is a city department that also provides electricity, sewer and sanitation, though the city notes that not every service is available in every area. The drinking water itself comes from the Chattahoochee River, treated by the City of Atlanta at its Chattahoochee and Hemphill plants and delivered to Fairburn through 19 master meters. It is disinfected with chlorine, and the city reports that its service line inventory found no lead service lines. The Fairburn water quality report has current results.
For a water emergency or meter problem, the city lists (770) 969-3481; Fairburn Utilities customer service is 770-964-2244, extension 320.
Permits from the Building Division
The Building Division at 314 NW Broad Street says any work by a trade contractor needs a permit and publishes a combined mechanical, electrical and plumbing application (770-964-2244, ext. 401). A plumber who replaces a water heater or reroutes piping in Fairburn should be pulling that permit.
Gas leaks
Natural gas is not one of the city's utilities. Atlanta Gas Light is the pipeline company for the area, so if you smell gas, walk out of the house first and then call 911 and AGL at 877.427.4321.
Fairburn versus intown Atlanta
The water in your Fairburn tap is the same Chattahoochee supply Atlanta residents drink, but your bill, meter and emergency number belong to Fairburn Utilities, and so does the pipe network that delivers it. Permits come from Fairburn, not Atlanta's Office of Buildings. When you call, describe the problem and whether the water is shut off. You will be connected with an independent plumber who serves Fairburn, and you settle the cost and timing with that plumber.
Common questions in Fairburn
Where does Fairburn's water come from?
Who do I call for a water emergency in Fairburn?
Does Fairburn require a permit for plumbing work?
Are there lead service lines in Fairburn?
Nearby cities and towns
Sources
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