Fairburn runs its own water utility, buying treated water from the City of Atlanta, and most Fairburn homes were built after 2000. A plumber can confirm a leak with a meter test, separate the yard line from indoor plumbing and pinpoint the source. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Fairburn.
Fairburn is an old railroad town with a small historic downtown and a lot of new construction around it. The median home was built in 2004, and nearly two-thirds of homes date from 2000 or later; about 20% predate 1980. Fairburn Utilities, the city's own utility, receives treated Chattahoochee River water from the City of Atlanta through 19 master meters, and its service line inventory found no service lines containing lead.
What to do now
- Shut off every faucet, appliance and the irrigation controller.
- Read the meter, wait an hour with no water use, and read it again.
- If it moved, close the main shutoff at the house and recheck. Movement that continues points to the line from the meter.
- Check the water heater, under sinks, behind the refrigerator and at each toilet. A few drops of food coloring in a toilet tank will reveal a leaking flapper within 15 minutes.
- If water is spreading indoors, leave the main shutoff closed until help arrives.
- For a problem at the meter or in the street, call Fairburn's emergency and water meter line at (770) 969-3481.
What you notice and what it usually means
| What you notice | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Wet cabinet floor under a sink | Supply hose or compression fitting |
| Puddle behind the refrigerator | Ice maker line |
| Soft lawn strip near the street | Service line or irrigation lateral |
| Ceiling stain under a bathroom | Shower valve or drain connection |
| Meter moves with the main closed | Leak between meter and house |
What affects the cost
- How quickly the leak can be isolated
- Slab construction, which is common in newer homes and calls for acoustic or thermal detection
- The length of the yard line
- The repair, and a city permit; Fairburn requires a permit for any trade work, including plumbing, through its Building Division on NW Broad Street
Fairburn notes that not all of its utility services are available in all areas. If your home is outside the city's water or sewer area, tell the plumber, since that changes where a yard-line leak could be. When you call, you'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Fairburn and can explain what the search will involve.
Leak Detection questions in Fairburn
Can a newer house still have a hidden leak?
Who do I call if water is coming up in the street or sidewalk?
How can I find out what my water service line is made of?
Do I need a permit to repair a leaking pipe?
More plumbing services in Fairburn
Leak Detection nearby
Sources
Last updated: