Need plumbing repairs? DeKalb County has a solution for you!

By Rayana Martin | October 31, 2023

What is the DeKalb Cares Water Repair Program?

A county-operated service that provides no-cost plumbing to low-income residents who reside inside DeKalb County. 

The program is operated by the county’s Community Development Department and operates on a yearly cycle.

The county is currently accepting applications for the program. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2023. In order to apply, you must be a DeKalb County resident in need of repairs at your primary residence.

The program has income restrictions based on household size. To determine eligibility, a homeowner’s total household income must be at or below 60% of the Area Median Income defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The current income criteria is: 

  • $40,500 for a one-person household
  • $46,350 for a two-person household
  • $52,080 for a three-person household
  • $57,840 for a four-person household
  • $62,520 for a five-person household

All applicants will be required to submit eligibility documents. 

The application can be obtained in person at the Community Development office at 178 Sams St., Suite A3500, in Decatur, or online here.

I’m eligible, so what happens next?

If you are approved, the county will do inspections at your home to determine which services you require. 

Once approved inspections are completed, qualified plumbing contractors will complete all the eligible repairs with no charge to you.

Continue reading to learn what happens if you’re eligible.

dekalb cares flyer

What services can I expect to receive?

While the program is free, only these four services will be provided:

  • Private sewer lateral remediation
  • Septic to sewer conversion
  • Water leaks (high water usage)
  • Water leaks (inclement weather issues)

If you are facing any other issues, you may be required to seek private plumbing services.

What if I don’t qualify for this program? Are there any other services to help with water or utility issues?

There is still assistance available for you.

The DeKalb DWM has dedicated over $8.5 million to multiple customer assistance programs that aid in payment assistance, including Partnership for Community Action, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, DeKalb Cares (DeKalb County Community Development Department) and the Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition. 

The DeKalb DWM offers payment plans to those who may be behind on their bill and require assistance as well. To set up an installment plan, customers should call (404) 378-4475, or email [email protected].

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