Water Heater Repair in Vinings, GA

Vinings is an affluent unincorporated community on the Chattahoochee across from Buckhead's Paces area; ZIP 30339 mails as "Atlanta." Census estimates put the median build year at 1996, with about 21% of homes built before 1980. Because Vinings is unincorporated, building and trade permits go through Cobb County's Building Division rather than a city. Water and sewer come from Cobb County Water System, which buys all its water from the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority and lists a free chlorine residual. Cobb reports no lead service lines identified in its area, and residents can check pipe material at cobbcounty.gov/WSLI. Cobb owns the line to the meter; the owner, from the meter in.

Immediate steps

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. Warn neighbors if needed. In a townhome or condo, a leak can reach the unit next door or below; tell them or the association.
6. Read the label. Model, serial number and fuel help the plumber bring the right parts.

Symptom table

Cost factors

• The part. Element and thermostat repairs are routine; gas valves cost more.
• Access. Closet and attic installs in townhomes slow the work.
• Collateral fixes. A new drain pan or a drain line to it may be worth adding.
• Permit. Replacements go through Cobb County's Building Division, (770) 528-2060.

Atlanta Gas Light is the expected gas pipe utility in Vinings; your bill confirms it. For a broken water line on the county side, Cobb's emergency line is 770-419-6201.