Plumber in Lakewood, CO

Lakewood's mix of homes

Lakewood is the largest city in Jefferson County, and much of its housing went up after World War II: brick ranches and bi-levels from the 1950s through the '70s, many on streets near Kendrick Lake and Bear Creek Lake Park. Green Mountain's neighborhoods mostly date from the 1970s on, and the Belmar area adds newer townhomes and condos.

That mix means very different plumbing calls. Older ranches bring aging copper, some galvanized pipe and original valves. Many have crawl spaces rather than full basements, which puts supply lines in places that get cold in winter.

Condos and townhomes bring shared walls, where a leak doesn't stay in one unit, and water heaters tucked into closets with tight clearances. In multi-unit buildings, the building's main shutoff may be controlled by the HOA, so it's worth knowing who to call before you need to.

Condos, crawl spaces and ranches

Lakewood's plumbing calls split three ways. In condos and townhomes near Belmar and along the light rail, the concern is containment: a failed water heater or supply line in one unit can reach the next. Knowing where your unit's shutoff is, and whether the HOA controls a building shutoff, matters more here than anywhere else in the metro.

In older ranches, crawl spaces are the weak point. Supply lines run close to vents and rim joists, and cold air finds them. Closing crawl space vents for winter where the home has them, sealing drafts and insulating exposed pipe all reduce the risk.

On Green Mountain, homes from the 1970s on are at the age for second water heaters, new shower cartridges and toilet internals. Those are routine repairs, best done before they become leaks.

Lakewood's water

Lakewood is unusual: most homes don't get their water from the city. About 20 independent districts deliver water, most of it originating with Denver Water, and the city's own water utility covers only its own service area. Consolidated Mutual Water Company and the Green Mountain Water & Sanitation District serve the most customers; Consolidated Mutual also treats Clear Creek water at its own Maple Grove plant for part of its area. The City of Lakewood publishes a list of the water providers serving the city.

Your provider's annual water quality report lists your hardness. Check your bill to see which district you're in.

Permits in Lakewood

Lakewood's Building Division issues permits for plumbing work such as water heater replacement. In condos and townhomes, check HOA rules too; some require notice before work that shuts off water to shared lines.