Most Conifer homes run on private wells, so a hidden leak rarely shows on a bill. It shows up as a pump that kicks on with nothing running, a pressure tank that loses pressure, or wet ground along the line from the well. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Conifer.
How can I tell there is a leak with no water bill to watch?
Use the pressure tank. Shut off every faucet and appliance, note the reading on the tank gauge and watch it for 15 to 30 minutes. If the pressure falls and the pump restarts without anyone using water, something is leaking between the well and the taps. A pump you can hear starting in the middle of the night is another strong clue, as is an electric bill that climbs because the pump is running more.
Jefferson County says water in the county's mountain areas is generally supplied by private wells, and that holds for most of Conifer. The main exception is the Village at Conifer commercial area at Aspen Park, which Aspen Park Metropolitan District serves with water and wastewater.
Where do leaks usually hide on a well system?
On a private well, the owner is responsible for everything: the well, pump, pressure tank, the buried line to the house and all the plumbing inside. Common leak points include the fittings at the pressure tank, a check valve that no longer holds, the buried line where it enters the foundation, and pipes in crawl spaces or exterior walls that freeze during long mountain winters. Conifer sits at about 8,262 feet, so cold snaps here can be harder on plumbing than they are down in the metro.
A plumber usually isolates the house first. If the tank still loses pressure with the house valve closed, the problem is between the well and the house or at the tank itself. If it holds, the leak is inside.
Who issues permits for a repair here?
Conifer is unincorporated, so plumbing permits come from Jefferson County Building Safety through its online portal. A simple fitting repair may not need one; replacing a long run of line or a water heater likely will, and the plumber can check.
A note on well water
Jefferson County recommends testing drinking-water wells seasonally and after any pump or well work, and testing for hardness, iron and manganese when fixtures show staining or buildup. A leak repair that opens up the system is a good reminder to schedule that test.
Leak Detection questions in Conifer
How do I spot a leak if my home runs on a private well?
Why does one patch of my yard stay soggy or extra green?
Can a winter freeze cause a leak I don't notice until spring?
Do I need a permit to repair the leak once it is found?
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