Leak Detection in Arvada, CO

Is the leak on my side of the meter or the city's?

Arvada spells this out. 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. A wet patch between the pit and the house is a private repair. If water is coming up at the pit itself or in the street, call the city's utility line at 720-898-7070, which takes water and sewer main break emergencies.

A few parts of Arvada are served by other districts, including Ralston Valley Water and Sanitation, Consolidated Mutual and Denver Water. If your bill comes from one of them, its rules apply instead.

My house is from the 1960s or 1970s. Where do leaks usually start?

Arvada grew quickly after World War II, and the median home was built in 1979, with about 52% built before 1980. In homes from that era, slow leaks tend to start at original shutoff valves, the joints where copper meets older fittings, the water heater connections and toilet supply stops. The city prohibits lead and pre-1960 galvanized service lines in its system, and its inventory has found mostly copper and no lead. Pipes inside the house are a separate question that the city program does not cover.

Finished basements are common, and a leak there can hide behind drywall for months. Watch for baseboards that swell, carpet that feels cool and damp, or a stain that grows on the ceiling under a bathroom.

Do I need a permit once the leak is found?

It depends on the fix. City of Arvada Building Services handles plumbing permits, and installing, repairing or disconnecting a water or sewer service line needs a city permit. Work in the public right-of-way also requires a separate city contractor license, so a yard repair near the street may involve more than one trade. A small repair inside the house may not need a permit at all, and the plumber can confirm before starting.

A quick local note

Arvada treats its water with chlorine at two plants and reports fairly soft water, so heavy scale is less of a leak driver here than in some neighboring cities. Age and freeze damage matter more. A hose bib or exterior-wall pipe that split in a cold snap is a frequent spring discovery once outdoor faucets go back into use.