Emergency plumber in Northglenn, CO

What to do right now in a Northglenn home

In most Northglenn ranches and bi-levels, the main shutoff is on the lower level where the line comes through the foundation, frequently near the water heater and laundry. Many are original gate valves; turn slowly, and if it won't budge, don't force it. Call and we'll talk through options.

For a leaking water heater, turn the gas control to Off and close the cold supply valve on top of the tank. If it's a gas smell rather than water, leave and call your gas utility or 911.

Common Northglenn emergencies

• Kitchen supply lines freezing on exterior walls in bi-level homes
• Original shutoff valves breaking or leaking when finally turned
• Aging water heaters failing in basement utility rooms

Before the next cold snap

In Northglenn's bi-levels, check that the lower-level shutoff isn't buried behind storage, and that you can turn it. A shutoff you can't reach or can't move is the most common reason a small leak becomes a big one.

Who to call for a city water problem

Northglenn treats and delivers its own water. For a suspected main break, the city asks residents to call 303-451-1289 right away (City of Northglenn, Emergency Water Shut-Off). Signs it's the city's side: water coming up through pavement or grass, a sudden pressure drop on the whole street, or a leak in the meter pit. Inside the house, from the main valve onward, it's yours, and that's where we come in.

Northglenn houses and their main valves

Homes on the same Northglenn street are often laid out alike, so a neighbor who has found their main can point you in the right direction. In the ranch homes near Webster Lake and around E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, the main usually comes up through the basement floor or foundation on the street side. In bi-levels, walk down the half flight to the lower level and look near the furnace, water heater and laundry; the line often enters behind the washer.

Some of these valves are original to the house. A gate valve that hasn't turned in decades can break off at the stem or start leaking from the packing when you finally use it. If yours is stiff, it's a good candidate for replacement on a calm day rather than during an emergency.

Cold-weather habits for Northglenn bi-levels

The kitchen in a bi-level usually sits on the upper floor against an outside wall, with only a thin layer of insulation between the supply lines and the weather. On nights well below freezing, leave the cabinet doors open and let a thin stream run from that faucet. Lower-level bathrooms built into the foundation can be cold too, especially if a window well drifts full of snow.

When you're away for a winter trip, set the thermostat no lower than the mid-50s and ask someone to check the house. A burst line can run for days before anyone notices.

What we handle

Burst and freeze-split pipes, active leaks you can't stop at a fixture shutoff, and water heater failures. More on emergency plumbing, burst pipe repair and leaking water heaters.