Tankless Water Heater in Sharpsburg, GA

What happens when you call

You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in east Coweta. Let them know whether the house is inside the small town limits or in the much larger 30277 area around it, since that decides the permit office and possibly the water provider. Expect questions about the heater's age, fuel type and the number of bathrooms. For a new install, the visit covers gas pipe size, a vent route, condensate drainage and an outlet for the controls.

Cost factors

• Fuel. Natural gas where a main reaches the house; otherwise propane or electric.
• Gas line. A tankless burner may need a larger run from the meter.
• Venting. Sidewall or roof, depending on where the heater sits.
• Condensate. Condensing units need a sensible drain route, which takes thought on a property with a private onsite wastewater system.
• Permit. Inside town limits, the Single Trade Permit for plumbing.

Sharpsburg conditions

Sharpsburg is a tiny incorporated town about 10 miles east of Newnan and 5 miles southwest of Peachtree City. The town's own housing figures come from a very small sample of about 309 residents, with a median build year of 1991, so treat them as a rough guide. The surrounding 30277 ZIP is far larger, at about 21,600 residents.

Inside town limits, water comes from the Town of Turin, not from Sharpsburg itself. No water quality report or hardness figure is on the fact sheet, so a home water test is the way to set a flush interval. Homes in town are not on municipal sewer; they use private onsite wastewater systems regulated by the Coweta County Health Department. A condensing tankless unit produces a small, slightly acidic stream of condensate, so the plumber will plan its route and may add a neutralizer.

The town issues a Single Trade Permit covering electric, plumbing and mechanical work, required before plumbing work except emergency repairs. Atlanta Gas Light owns the regional gas pipes; confirm on your bill. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 and AGL at 877.427.4321 from outside.

Checklist before the visit

• Confirm whether you are inside town limits
• Check whether your gas bill shows natural gas or a propane supplier
• Clear space around the heater
• Note the heater's age and capacity