Norcross no longer runs water or sewer; Gwinnett County took the city system over and now handles service, billing and the backflow program. The City of Norcross still issues trade permits, and it requires one for water heater replacement, gas piping and fixture work that alters piping. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Norcross.
Norcross is a historic 1870 railroad town with a downtown square, a young and diverse population and a business mix that runs from cafes to warehouses along I-85. Gwinnett County took over the city's water and sewer system and replaced city meters with county meters, so Norcross businesses deal with Gwinnett's Department of Water Resources for anything utility-side.
What to do right away
- Close the nearest valve. Gwinnett maintains the meter and the short pipe from the main to it; everything past the meter is the owner's to shut off and repair.
- Report public-side failures to the county. Main breaks and sewer spills go to Gwinnett's 24-hour line, 678.376.7000.
- Keep staff away from wet floors. Especially near electrical panels and kitchen equipment.
- Write down the scope. One fixture, one floor or the whole building.
- Check the permit question early. If the fix involves a new heater or changes to piping, a city permit is needed.
Signs and likely causes
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Floor drains backing up in a restaurant | Grease in the building sewer lateral |
| Hot water fading during the lunch rush | Aging or undersized water heater |
| Faint gas odor near a kitchen line | Leaking gas fitting; leave and call for help |
| Rising bill with no change in use | Leak on the owner's side of the meter |
| Backflow paperwork from Gwinnett | Test due on the device at the connection |
Cost factors
- Whether the issue is a fixture or the sewer lateral, which in Gwinnett belongs entirely to the owner
- Diagnostic time with a camera or leak locator
- Night or weekend work
- A city trade permit for heaters, gas piping and piping changes; a faucet or toilet swap without piping changes doesn't appear to need one. Documents go through the city's ePlan portal.
- Backflow device repairs; Gwinnett makes the owner responsible for the preventer and uses testers from its approved list
If anyone smells gas, get out first and call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 from outside.
What happens when you call
You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who handles commercial work in Norcross. Tell them the kind of business, which fixtures are affected, and when the space can go without water. Restaurants downtown and along Buford Highway often prefer early-morning visits before prep starts, and warehouses near I-85 may need someone who can work around loading schedules.
Commercial Plumbing questions in Norcross
Which office issues the permit for commercial plumbing work?
What should employees do if they smell gas at work?
Where does the utility's part of the water line end?
Why did our water bill suddenly jump?
More plumbing services in Norcross
Commercial Plumbing nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Patch: County Takes Over Norcross Water and Sewer System
- City of Norcross: Permit Requirements Checklist
- City of Norcross: Trade Building Permit Application
- Gwinnett County Water Resources: What Property Owners Maintain
- Gwinnett County Water Resources: Backflow Tester Information
- Gwinnett County Water Resources: Contact
- Atlanta Gas Light: Natural Gas Safety
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