City of Littleton homes get water from Denver Water, so a hidden leak tends to show up as higher usage on that bill or a meter that moves with everything off. Many Littleton houses date from the 1950s and 1960s, which puts older valves and fittings high on the list. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Littleton.
Who do I call first, Denver Water or a plumber?
It depends where the water is. The City of Littleton does not provide water itself; it says all city residents are served by Denver Water. If water is bubbling up in the street or at the meter, contact Denver Water at 303-893-2444 during business hours or 303-628-6801 after hours. If the problem is inside the house or along the line toward your foundation, that is a job for a plumber.
Sewer is different. Most city residents are billed for sewer by the City of Littleton, with treatment at South Platte Renew, which Littleton and Englewood own. After-hours sewer emergencies go to the city at 303-794-1551.
Why would an older Littleton house leak?
Littleton grew quickly in the 1950s and 1960s, and many of its neighborhoods are made up of detached homes from that boom. In houses of that age, slow leaks tend to start at original shutoff valves, older supply fittings, toilet stops and water heater connections. Basements can hide a drip for a long time, so look for water marks on concrete, damp carpet near an outside wall or a musty smell near the water heater.
Newer homes have their own patterns, mainly loose fittings, supply hoses and sprinkler valves. Either way, a meter test with everything turned off is the quickest first check.
My mailing address says Littleton. Does that change anything?
Yes. Littleton ZIP codes also cover unincorporated communities such as Columbine, Ken Caryl and Highlands Ranch, which are served by other water districts. For permits, the City of Littleton Permit Center requires one to install, alter, repair or replace any plumbing system within city limits, while addresses outside city limits go to Arapahoe, Jefferson or Douglas County. The city's District Map Tool will tell you which applies.
Local note
Homeowners doing their own single-trade work inside city limits sign a Homeowner Affidavit, but leak repairs that involve opening walls or replacing pipe are usually best left to a plumber who can also handle the inspection. If the leak is in a sprinkler system, test the meter with the controller off and then with one zone running; a big difference points outside, where a cracked lateral or a valve that will not close can waste water for weeks without anyone noticing.
Leak Detection questions in Littleton
Who do I call if water is coming up at the meter pit or the street?
Do I need a permit to repair the leak once it is found?
Are older homes here more prone to hidden leaks?
What leak signs show up in a basement or crawl space?
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