Water Heater Repair in Kiowa, CO

Signs your heater needs help

• Lukewarm water at every tap
• A burner that lights and drops out
• Rumbling as the tank reheats
• Water in the drain pan or on the floor
• A relief valve pipe that drips
• Rust-colored hot water

Local conditions in Kiowa

Kiowa is a small, steadily growing home rule town and the Elbert County seat. Census estimates put the median home build year at 1996, with about 28.4% of homes built before 1980, so many heaters in town are original or second-generation units now reaching the age when tanks give out.

Inside town, water and sewer come from the Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority, which supplies groundwater from an Authority well in Elbert County, disinfected with chlorine. The report does not state hardness, so sediment is something a plumber checks by draining a few gallons. KWWA's technical standards require a water pressure relief valve in the internal plumbing of every property it serves, which is worth having the plumber check when the heater is serviced. Homeowners are responsible for the water service line from the main to the house, with meter pits on the owner's property. Rural 80117 addresses outside the Authority may have their own supply.

Permits inside Town limits are handled by the Town of Kiowa Building Department, with SAFEbuilt doing permits and inspections. A permit is typically required when plumbing systems are involved, and water heater replacements can use the Town's Simple Building Permit Application. Addresses outside Town limits get permits from Elbert County.

Cost factors

• Which part. Elements and thermocouples are small parts; gas control valves cost more.
• Sediment. Groundwater-fed tanks may need a flush before new parts will last.
• Distance and access. Rural properties and tight installs add time.
• Replacement. A failed tank means a new heater and a Simple Building Permit in town.

When you call

You'll reach an independent plumber who serves Kiowa. Have the fuel type, the date on the label and a description ready. Gas service around Kiowa is from Black Hills Energy. If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and Black Hills Energy from outside using the emergency number on your gas bill. Propane homes should call their propane supplier.