Commercial Plumbing in Idaho Springs, CO

Idaho Springs conditions

Idaho Springs is a Gold Rush town in Clear Creek Canyon along I-70, with a historic downtown on Miner Street, tourist businesses on the east end and mostly residential streets to the west. The city's water system draws surface water from two intakes, Devils Canyon and Chicago Creek, and disinfects it with chlorine. Its water quality report says the city is responsible for removing lead pipes it controls; the report we reviewed didn't include a service line inventory. Questions go to City Hall at 303-567-4421. Our research didn't confirm the city's sewer arrangements, backflow rules or gas utility, so ask City Hall about the first two and check the gas bill for the third.

Older downtown buildings often house restaurants, shops and lodging above or beside each other, which puts a lot of fixtures on aging drain lines. The mountain climate adds freezing nights for much of the year.

Repair or larger job?

Signs to call

• Drains in a restaurant or bar that slow after busy weekends
• No water or low pressure after a cold night
• Restroom fixtures running constantly
• Water stains on ceilings in older buildings
• A boiler or heater that struggles in winter

Timing and permits

Winter is long at this elevation, so protect piping in exterior walls, crawl spaces and unheated back rooms before the first hard freeze, and keep heat on in vacant spaces. Tourist businesses usually schedule bigger work in slower seasons. Permits are submitted by email to the city clerk or in person at City Hall, 1711 Miner Street. SAFEbuilt reviews plans and does all inspections; call 303-450-8748 by 3 p.m. the day before. Interior plumbing plans must cover sewers, drains, vents, water piping, roof drains and gas piping.