In Black Hawk, a water heater should be replaced when the tank leaks, hot water turns rusty or scarce, or an older unit keeps failing. The City of Black Hawk contracts its Building Division services to SAFEbuilt, and the plumber should confirm the permit before the swap. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Black Hawk.
Black Hawk, Colorado's least populous city, is a former gold-mining settlement turned casino town in Gilpin County. The City Water Department supplies the whole city from two of its own plants: Dory Hill treats North Clear Creek and nearby wells and springs with membrane filtration, and Hidden Valley treats Clear Creek near Idaho Springs and pipes it about seven miles over a summit to a tank on Miners Road. Both disinfect with chlorine gas and add soda ash for corrosion control. No hardness figure was found.
What to do now
- Close the cold supply valve on top of the heater.
- Turn the gas control off, or flip the breaker for an electric unit.
- If you smell gas, leave the building first, then call 911 and your gas utility or propane supplier from outside. Your bill shows which.
- In cold weather, keep the heat on so other pipes don't freeze.
- Record the heater's size, fuel and age.
- Call for a replacement and ask the plumber to check permit requirements with the city.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water pooling at the base | Tank corrosion; replacement needed |
| Rust-colored hot water | Worn anode rod or internal rust |
| Pilot goes out on windy days | Draft or vent problem, or a failing thermocouple |
| Hot water runs short | Sediment, a failed element or an undersized tank |
| Relief valve dripping | High pressure or temperature; needs a check |
Cost factors
- Fuel type and a model rated for the elevation
- Size and efficiency, or a tankless conversion
- Venting in older stone and frame buildings
- Expansion tank, drain pan and relief line work
- Steep access and winter travel
- The permit and disposal of the old unit
The City of Black Hawk's Community Planning and Development Building Division has used SAFEbuilt for inspections and plan review since 2015. Permit questions go to cpdinquiry@cityofblackhawk.org. The city's page doesn't mention plumbing permits specifically, so have your plumber confirm what a water heater replacement needs. In the restored historic buildings along North Clear Creek, expect the plumber to look carefully at venting and clearances, since those are where older spaces most often differ from today's equipment.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Black Hawk
Does a water heater replacement here need a permit, and who issues it?
How will the local water affect a new tank?
Does the Front Range altitude matter when picking a gas water heater?
Who supplies the gas, and what should I do if I smell gas near the heater?
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