Septic Or Sewer? How To Check In South Fulton

Not sure if your South Fulton home uses septic or public sewer? It matters for your budget, maintenance, and even what you must do during a sale. The good news is you can confirm the setup for any address with a few calls and records checks. This guide walks you through the steps, the rules to know in Georgia, and who to contact in Atlanta. Let’s dive in.

How to tell, step by step

Check the water bill

Ask the seller or property manager for the latest water bill. If the home is on public sewer, you will often see a separate sewer line item or fee. If the home is on septic, there is typically no sewer fee. This is a quick first clue that many local health districts recommend using to start your search, as noted in regional guidance from North Georgia Health District environmental health FAQs.

Call the utility

Call the utility that serves the address, such as the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, the City of South Fulton utilities office, or Fulton County Water or Public Works. Ask two questions: is the parcel currently connected to public sewer, and is a sewer main located within 200 feet of the property line. That distance matters because Georgia rules require connection when public sewer is “available” within that threshold. For context on how service areas can be split between city and county, see this overview of Atlanta water and wastewater operations from Black & Veatch water and wastewater projects in Atlanta. Request a sewer availability letter or map for your file.

Search parcel and GIS maps

Look up the parcel in Fulton County’s online assessor or GIS tools. Many parcel pages list utility providers and sometimes show sewer mains or manholes. Maps are not always definitive, so ask the utility for written confirmation if anything is unclear. Start with the county’s A–Z Guide to find parcel and mapping resources.

Pull county septic records

If a septic system was installed or repaired, there is often a permit and final inspection record on file with the Fulton County Board of Health. For properties being sold, Fulton County requires a septic and well evaluation, which will indicate whether an on-site system exists and often include key details. Request copies of septic permits, plats, and any “as-built” drawings from Fulton County Environmental Health.

Look for on-site clues

On site, look for signs of a septic system such as a tank access lid or riser, a distribution box, or a defined drainfield area. Public sewer clues include a lateral cleanout near the foundation, a capped cleanout at the curb, or nearby manholes in the street. Use these hints along with records rather than relying on visuals alone. For homeowner basics on how septic systems work and signs to watch for, review the EPA’s SepticSmart resources.

Order inspections to confirm

If you suspect septic, order a septic system evaluation by a qualified professional and consider pumping to inspect the tank and components. Fulton County maintains lists of registered installers and certified pumpers through Environmental Health, which is a good place to start when hiring. If the property is on public sewer, consider a sewer lateral camera inspection to assess the private line from the house to the main. Make these inspections a written contingency if the status is uncertain.

Know the rules in Georgia

When sewer is nearby

Georgia’s Department of Public Health requires property owners to connect to a public or community sewer system when it is available within 200 feet of the property line, or in an abutting right of way. A failing septic system must also be connected when sewer is considered available. Ask the utility to verify distance and availability in writing so you understand whether connection is required. You can read the state rule in the DPH regulations for On-Site Sewage Management Systems.

Disclosure and due diligence

Georgia is generally a buyer-beware state. Sellers must not conceal known material defects and must answer direct questions truthfully, but there is no mandatory statewide disclosure form. Many transactions do use voluntary disclosures, yet buyers should still obtain records and inspections in writing. For a plain-language overview of Georgia practice, review this summary of seller disclosure context on Justia.

Costs and timelines

Budget for evaluation and potential connection work as part of your due diligence. Septic pumping and a basic evaluation often run in the low hundreds to several hundred dollars, while full performance evaluations can be higher. New septic systems or major repairs can cost many thousands to tens of thousands, and sewer lateral installation and connection costs vary widely based on distance and obstacles. For general homeowner guidance and why maintenance matters, see the EPA’s septic systems overview. Permits and inspections add time, so contact the utility and Fulton County Environmental Health early to map out a realistic schedule.

Local resources and next steps

• Ask for the latest water bill to see if a sewer fee is listed, then document what you learn.
• Call the serving utility for a sewer availability letter and to confirm if a main is within 200 feet.
• Request septic permits and the required property sale evaluation from Fulton County Environmental Health.
• Check parcel and GIS maps for visible sewer features, then seek written confirmation from the utility.
• Order a septic performance evaluation or a sewer lateral camera inspection before you finalize terms.

When you want a local advocate to coordinate records, inspectors, and strategy, our team is here to help. Reach out to The Maxwell Haus Residential Agency to get a clear plan for your next move in South Fulton.

The Maxwell Haus Residential Agency

FAQs

How can I tell if a South Fulton property is on septic or public sewer?

• Start with the water bill for a sewer fee, then call the serving utility to confirm current service and whether a main is within 200 feet, check Fulton County parcel and GIS maps, request septic records from the Board of Health, and order inspections to verify.

Who keeps septic system records in Fulton County?

• The Fulton County Board of Health’s Environmental Health division maintains many septic permits, inspections, and evaluations, and it handles the required septic and well evaluation for property sales.

What is Georgia’s rule about connecting to sewer if it is nearby?

• If a public or community sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting right of way, state rules require connection, and a failing septic must connect when sewer is available.

What inspections should I order before buying in South Fulton?

• If septic is present or suspected, order a septic performance evaluation and consider pumping for a full look; if connected to public sewer, a sewer lateral camera inspection can confirm the private line’s condition.

Who pays to connect to sewer when it is available?

• Payment is negotiable between buyer and seller, but the availability rule can create an obligation to connect, so get written confirmation from the utility and quotes to inform negotiations.

Where can I find maps or official confirmation of sewer availability for an Atlanta address?

• Use Fulton County parcel and GIS tools for clues, then request a written sewer availability letter or map from the serving utility, such as the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, the City of South Fulton utilities office, or Fulton County Water or Public Works.