Commercial Plumbing in Northglenn, CO

Which Northglenn properties need yearly backflow tests?

Commercial, industrial and non-single-family residential properties, which includes townhome and apartment buildings. Under the city's Cross-Connection and Backflow program, approved devices must be tested every year by an ABPA- or ASSE-certified tester. Passing reports go to the city by email or through BSIonline.com within 10 days, and a failed device has to be repaired, retested or replaced within 30 days. The program line is 303-450-4026. For a property manager with several buildings, those two deadlines are worth tracking.

Where does the city's responsibility stop?

At the meter for water and at the main for sewer. Northglenn says the owner is responsible for the water line from the meter to the building, at the owner's expense, and for the sewer lateral from the building to the city main. The city maintains the mains and asks people not to operate the meter-pit shutoff themselves. Water and sewer line problems go to 303-280-7803 during the day and 303-451-1289 after hours.

Northglenn handles its own wastewater rather than sending it to Metro Water Recovery. The city keeps about 120 miles of sewer mains and 10 lift stations and treats flow at its own plant in Weld County. Its water comes from Clear Creek snowmelt stored in Standley Lake and treated at the city plant on 112th Avenue, with chlorine rather than chloramine, and reported hardness of about 120 mg/L.

How old is the plumbing likely to be?

Northglenn began in 1959 as Perl-Mack's planned community, and much of the city was built in the late 1950s and 1960s. Commercial strips and apartment buildings from that period may still have original drain lines and older fixtures, so a camera inspection before a remodel or a lease change can be worth it. The city keeps a service line material inventory, available from Public Works.

The Building Division, run through SAFEbuilt, requires permits for water heater installs and replacements, plumbing modifications, outside water or sewer line repair and gas lines. Call 303-450-8745 with questions.

Gas safety note

The gas utility for Northglenn wasn't confirmed in the city's materials. If anyone smells gas, get everyone out, then call 911 and the gas utility listed on your bill from outside.