If a pipe bursts in your Forest Park house, turn off the main shutoff and keep away from wet electrical. A plumber can replace the broken pipe and check its neighbors. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Forest Park.
Forest Park homes and Clayton water
Forest Park grew up as a railroad stop just south of I-285, and its housing is among the oldest in the region: the median home dates to 1965 and about 78% were built before 1980. In houses that age, the water lines have usually been repaired in pieces, and old galvanized pipe can be close to failing even where it hasn't burst yet. Crawl-space runs near foundation vents are the usual freeze casualties.
The Clayton County Water Authority supplies water and sewer across Clayton County, including Forest Park. CCWA's service line runs from the main to the meter; from the meter to the house, the line belongs to the customer. CCWA's customer service and after-hours emergency number is 770-960-5200. The City of Forest Park requires a city permit for plumbing installation, with applications filed online and inspections requested by email. The plumber can stop the leak first and sort out the permit afterward.
Choosing the right repair
| What the plumber finds | Usual fix |
|---|---|
| A clean split in pipe that is otherwise solid | Section repair |
| Corroded galvanized pipe around the break | Replace back to sound pipe |
| Several old runs failing in the same winter | Consider repiping the house |
| Leak on the yard line past the CCWA meter | Excavate and repair or replace |
| Burst outdoor faucet | Install a frost-free hose bib |
When it's more than a drip
- A stain overhead that grows larger by the hour
- Taps that sputter or barely run after a hard freeze
- A faint trickling noise near an exterior wall at night
- The water meter still spinning when every fixture is off
- A visible split in a pipe with water pushing out of it
- Flooring that buckles, warps or feels spongy underfoot
- A sudden jump on the water bill with no change in habits
Why leaks show up after the cold
Not every burst is weather related. Worn supply hoses on washing machines, toilets and sinks, high water pressure and corroded fittings can fail any month of the year. Still, calls cluster around hard freezes, when pipes in unheated spaces split and then leak as they thaw.
Burst Pipe Repair questions in Forest Park
Does one burst pipe mean an older house needs repiping?
Who is responsible for a leak between the water meter and the house?
What if I can't find or close the main shutoff valve?
How do I get the outside plumbing ready for the next freeze?
More plumbing services in Forest Park
Burst Pipe Repair nearby
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