Plumbers in Hapeville, GA

When the water bill jumps

Hapeville officials have pointed out that a leaking old service line or a toilet that keeps running can push a water bill far higher than normal, and the city offers meter testing and usage reviews when residents question a bill. Before you dispute a bill, it is worth ruling out the two usual suspects. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing; color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking. Then shut off every fixture and watch the meter. If it still moves, water is escaping somewhere between the meter and the taps, and a plumber can track it down.

A small city with old houses

Hapeville was established in 1891 and sits next to Hartsfield-Jackson airport, about 6 miles south of downtown Atlanta. It had 6,553 residents in 2020. The historic downtown has the Hapeville Depot, Historic Christ Church from 1895, and the original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House, and the Porsche Experience Center is nearby. Since 2005 the city has drawn young professionals and an arts community to neighborhoods like Virginia Park.

The median home here was built in 1963, and about 63% predate 1980, many from the 1940s and 1950s. Houses that age often still have galvanized supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals, the materials most likely to corrode, crack or let in roots.

City lines, Atlanta water

The Public Works Water and Sewer Division, at 3474 North Fulton Avenue, maintains the city's water and sewer lines and handles water, sewer and meter repairs; billing goes through the city. The water itself is bought wholesale from the City of Atlanta. The city maintains the mains and the service line up to and including the meter, and the owner is responsible from the meter to the house. Public Works is (404) 669-2120.

Hapeville's Water Department also encourages a sewer backflow preventer on the service lateral for any building connected to the sewer main at or below street level. If the main backs up, that valve keeps sewage from flowing into the house. Homes in low spots or with basement drains are good candidates, and a plumber can install one.

Permits

Plumbing permits are handled through the city's Permits & Applications process under Public Works. City Hall is at 3468 North Fulton Avenue (404-669-2100), open weekdays 9 to 4.

Gas

Hapeville has no city gas system; Atlanta Gas Light is the pipe utility. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 and AGL at 877.427.4321.

Calling

Describe the problem, and mention a sudden bill increase if that is what tipped you off. You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in Hapeville, and the two of you agree on cost and timing.