Henry County Sewer and Drain Service: Local Rules

Georgia Sewer clears, inspects and repairs the private side of sewer and water lines for homes served by the Henry County Water Authority in Henry County. If sewage is spilling from a manhole, several neighbors are affected, or the problem is in the authority's main or its lateral between the main and the right-of-way, that is HCWA's to handle; for the private pipes on your property, call us at (404) 482-2527.

Henry County's sewer map is a patchwork. The Henry County Water Authority serves the unincorporated county, while McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton and Locust Grove each run sewer systems of their own. Because of that split, the name on your sewer bill, not the town in your mailing address, tells you whose rules apply.

Below are the authority's rules and where our work fits in. If a city bills you for sewer, use its page instead: McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton or Locust Grove.

The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) was created by an act of the Georgia General Assembly in 1961, and that act lists establishing a sewer system among its duties. Its mission covers water supply plus wastewater collection and treatment for Henry County's homes and businesses, and the county's sewer-use ordinance names the authority as the body charged with building, operating and maintaining the county's water and sewerage system (Sec. 3-5-261). In 2025 the authority had about 69,000 metered customers, representing roughly 204,000 people in a county of more than 260,000 (2026 Water Quality Report).

Wastewater flows through about 455 miles of collection sewers and 32 lift stations to three treatment sites: Walnut Creek, the largest; Indian Creek; and Bear Creek, which serves Atlanta Motor Speedway. HCWA says it inspects every sewer line at least once every four years, using manhole checks and closed-circuit TV (HCWA).

To confirm you are on HCWA sewer, check your account. Its FAQ notes that new customers pay a separate sewer deposit only where sewer is present; if your account shows water service alone, ask HCWA whether your home is on septic. Inside cities the picture can be mixed: Stockbridge, for one, lists HCWA's plan review and inspection staff among the outside agencies that review building work there (Stockbridge).

In unincorporated Henry County, the county's Building and Plan Review Department issues permits, reviews plans and inspects work; each city has its own building department. HCWA adds its own layer for new connections: a written building sewer permit from the authority, with connection fees paid before the connection and on top of county permits, and an HCWA inspection before any buried pipe is covered (Sec. 3-5-267). Its standard detail also requires a sewer tap inspection by HCWA. If the job needs a permit, we tell you before work starts.

The same code section requires a separate building sewer for each building and for each unit of a multi-unit building, unless HCWA approves otherwise. Old building sewers can serve a new building only after HCWA examines and tests them. Before digging, Georgia 811 asks everyone to request a free locate at least three business days ahead (Georgia 811); the law requires it before digging with machines (dig law).

HCWA's FAQ calls fats, oils and grease the number one cause of sewer blockages in metro Atlanta, warning that they can push sewage out of manholes or up through floor drains. It knocks down two common beliefs: garbage disposals often lead to more clogs, not fewer, and hot water with dish soap only moves grease down the pipe until it cools and hardens. Its advice is to scrape grease and food scraps into the trash, wipe plates with a paper towel, and use a sink strainer.

The authority's flushing advice is blunt: no wipes of any kind, including those sold as flushable. Its do-not-flush list also includes paper towels, hair, cotton swabs, kitty litter and disposable cleaning cloths.

Rainwater is barred from the sewer. County code prohibits connecting roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, areaway drains or other surface runoff to a building sewer, and existing connections of that kind must be removed at no cost to HCWA when a building is hooked up (Sec. 3-5-268). For other habits that protect your line, see what not to flush or pour.

Where public sewer is not available, the county code sends homeowners to the county health department's sanitarian for a written septic permit (Sec. 3-5-266). Once a public sewer comes within 100 feet of the property line, HCWA can require a connection within 90 days of written notice, and it may set a payment schedule for connection fees when an owner shows financial hardship (Henry County Code).

The Henry County environmental health office, which the Department of Public Health lists at 137 Henry Parkway in McDonough, holds septic permits and records (DPH). For upkeep, which is not work we do, see septic tank pumping in Georgia.

Look at your HCWA bill or online account for a sewer charge. If you have one and your home is newer, find the green "SEWER" cleanout box near the street and keep it clear, so it is easy to reach when a backup comes. From the house side we clear grease and wipes with drain cleaning or hydro jetting, run a sewer camera inspection to see whether the trouble is on your 4-inch line or past the junction, and handle a broken or missing cleanout on your side with sewer cleanout installation and repair. When the line itself has failed, we do sewer line repair. Call Georgia Sewer at (404) 482-2527.