Emergency Plumber in Arvada, CO

Is the leak in the yard mine or the city's?

In most of Arvada, the City of Arvada supplies water and sewer. The city owns the water service line from the main to the meter pit, and the property owner owns the line from the meter pit to the foundation. So water coming up between the pit and the house is generally a private repair. If it is coming up in the street or around the pit, call the city first at 720-898-7070, which handles water and sewer main breaks. A handful of areas inside city limits are on other districts, such as Ralston Valley Water and Sanitation District or Consolidated Mutual, and the city's district maps show which one serves an address.

Will the city clear my sewer backup?

No. Arvada maintains more than 450 miles of public sewer pipe, but owners are responsible for the sewer service line from the house to the city main, and the city does not cut, clean or televise residential laterals. If several drains back up at once, a plumber needs to open the cleanout and clear or inspect the private line. Two habits the city specifically prohibits are worth knowing: draining a sump pump into the sanitary sewer, and flushing wipes or paper towels, which are a common cause of these clogs.

Is my older Arvada home more at risk?

Somewhat. The median Arvada home was built in 1979, and about 52.5% were built before 1980, especially around Olde Town and the neighborhoods off Ralston Road and Wadsworth Boulevard. Original gate valves that will not close all the way, worn supply lines and aging drain pipe are what tend to fail. The city's service line inventory has turned up mostly copper and no lead lines, and lead and pre-1960 galvanized service lines are prohibited in the system. Owners with an unknown line are asked to contact the city.

A note on permits and street work

Replacing a water heater in Arvada needs a city permit and inspection, and installing, repairing or disconnecting a water or sewer service also needs one. Work in the public right-of-way requires a separate City of Arvada contractor license, so a plumber may handle the private side while a contractor holding that municipal license handles anything under the street. Expect higher rates at night and on weekends; arrival time depends on the plumber's schedule.