Many Northglenn homes date from the original 1959 to early 1960s Perl-Mack build-out, so shower valves here are often older two-handle models that need rebuilding or replacing. Newer or remodeled baths usually just need a cartridge. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Northglenn.
What's behind the trim in an original Northglenn home?
Northglenn began in 1959 as Perl-Mack's planned community, and much of its housing dates from the late 1950s and 1960s. Bathrooms that haven't been remodeled since then usually have two- or three-handle compression valves, often connected to older galvanized or copper supply lines. These valves don't balance pressure, so a flush elsewhere in the house can change the shower temperature. Rebuilding with new stems, washers and seats is possible when parts exist. Many homes have had at least one remodel, though, and newer infill such as Karl's Farm has modern single-lever valves.
Does Northglenn's water affect shower valves?
Some. Northglenn treats its own water at its plant on West 112th Avenue, drawing Clear Creek snowmelt stored in Standley Lake, and disinfects with chlorine rather than chloramine. Its report gives average hardness of about 120 mg/L, in the moderate range, though that figure comes from earlier sampling. Water in that range leaves mineral deposits over the years, which can stiffen cartridges and make older compression stems harder to turn. A plumber may need to clean deposits from the valve body before new parts seat properly.
Do I need a permit to replace my shower valve?
Northglenn requires permits for plumbing modifications, along with water heater replacement and gas lines, through its Building Division, with services provided by SAFEbuilt. Replacing a worn cartridge is usually treated as a repair. Swapping an old two-handle valve for a new single-lever valve changes the plumbing, so expect it to need a permit. The Building Division is at 303.450.8745.
When an original valve comes out, the plumber will also look at the pipe feeding it. In homes of this age the short runs inside the wall may be worth replacing at the same time, since the wall is already open and old pipe near the valve is often the next thing to fail.
Local note
Northglenn homeowners pay for leaks between the water meter and the house. If the shower won't stop and the house valve fails, call the city's water and sewer line at 303.280.7803, or 303.451.1289 after hours.
Shower Valve Repair questions in Northglenn
Our house is decades old. What kind of shower valve is likely behind the trim?
Can hard water or mineral scale make a shower valve stick?
Is it worth upgrading to a pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve?
Is a permit needed to replace a shower valve here?
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