Water Heater Repair in Morrow, GA

Morrow is a small, diverse city along I-75, anchored by Southlake Mall and Clayton State University and home to the Georgia Archives. Its housing is older than average: census estimates put the median build year at 1971, with roughly 62% of homes built before 1980. Clayton County Water Authority, headquartered in Morrow, supplies water and sewer and installs a backflow device at every customer connection, testing it each year with its own staff. That device keeps heated water from expanding back into the main, so homes without a thermal expansion tank often see the relief valve drip after each heating cycle.

Do these things first

1. Gas smell first. If you smell gas, leave the house without touching switches, then call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.
2. Stop the water. Close the valve on the cold line feeding the top of the tank. For a large leak, shut the main at the meter.
3. Cut the energy. Switch off the heater's breaker, or turn a gas control to off or pilot.
4. Find the source. Note whether water comes from the relief pipe, the drain valve, a top fitting or the tank bottom.
5. Look for an expansion tank. It is a small tank on the cold line near the heater. Tell the plumber whether you have one.
6. Read the label. Model, serial number and fuel help the plumber bring the right parts.

Symptoms and likely causes

What affects the cost

• The part. Elements and thermocouples are routine; gas valves cost more.
• Pressure control. Adding or recharging an expansion tank adds parts and time.
• Older connections. Original valves and nipples in 1960s and 1970s homes often need replacing.
• Permit. The City of Morrow's Planning & Economic Development Department issues plumbing permits through Community Core or paper forms at City Hall.

CCWA owns the service line to the meter; from the meter to the house is the owner's. For a large leak on the authority's side, its line is 770-960-5200.