At Plumbline, we’ve been answering plumbing questions from Denver area homeowners for years. Below you’ll find straightforward answers to the most common plumbing FAQs we receive, designed to help you understand your plumbing system and know when to call a professional plumber.
Preventing frozen pipes starts with proper insulation before temperatures drop. Wrap exposed water pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. During extreme cold spells common to Denver winters, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through water supply lines.
Keep cabinet doors open under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air circulation around pipes along exterior walls. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor irrigation systems before the first freeze. Many homeowners overlook pipes in attics or near exterior walls. These require extra attention given Denver’s temperature swings that can drop well below zero.
If you suspect frozen pipes, turn off the main water supply at your shutoff valve immediately to prevent further damage if pipes burst. Check for visible cracks or bulges in exposed pipes. If pipes appear intact, you can attempt gentle thawing using a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use open flames or propane torches, as this creates fire hazards and can damage pipes.
Open the faucet connected to the frozen section to relieve pressure as ice melts. If you cannot locate the frozen area, notice water discoloration, or hear unusual sounds, call a plumber immediately. Burst pipes from freezing can cause extensive water damage to Denver homes, making quick professional response essential during winter emergencies.
A sudden spike in your water bill without increased usage is often the first sign of a hidden water leak. Check your water meter when no water is being used. If it continues moving, you likely have leaking pipes somewhere in your plumbing system.
Other warning signs include damp or discolored spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, musty odors indicating mold growth, unexplained low water pressure, or the sound of running water when fixtures are off. Small leaks can waste thousands of gallons annually and cause structural damage. Early detection through regular inspection helps prevent costly plumbing repair down the road.
Simple tasks like replacing faucet aerators, fixing leaky faucets with new washers, or unclogging drains with a drain snake are generally safe for handy homeowners. Adjusting a toilet tank’s float arm or replacing a flapper valve typically requires minimal expertise.
However, complex plumbing issues involving gas lines, main sewer line work, water heater installation, or major bathroom plumbing should be left to a licensed plumber. Improper repairs can violate local regulations, void warranties, and cause further damage. Denver building codes require permits for significant plumbing work. A skilled plumber ensures safety and compliance while preventing problems from worsening.
Low water pressure often stems from mineral buildup inside older pipes, particularly common in Denver’s hard water areas. Sediment buildup accumulates over time, restricting water flow throughout your plumbing system. Corroded or aging water pipes also narrow internally, reducing pressure.
A faulty pressure regulator can cause sudden pressure drops throughout the home. Sometimes the issue originates with your municipal water supply or water utility provider. Check if neighbors experience similar problems. Clogged faucet aerators are an easy fix, but persistent pressure issues affecting multiple plumbing fixtures typically require professional diagnosis to identify the root cause.
Preventative drain cleaning every one to two years helps maintain healthy drainage and prevents emergency clogs. Homes with older pipes or heavy daily usage may benefit from annual service. Signs that indicate immediate cleaning include slow drains, gurgling sounds, or recurring backups.
Professional drain cleaning is far more effective than chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes, especially older pipes made of cast iron common in established Denver neighborhoods. A professional plumber uses specialized equipment to thoroughly clear buildup without harming your plumbing, extending the life of your system and reducing plumbing emergency calls.
Water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years for traditional tank models. Warning signs include rusty or discolored hot water, unusual rumbling or popping noises from sediment buildup, visible corrosion on the tank, or insufficient hot water production. Leaking around the base indicates tank failure requiring immediate attention.
Energy efficiency declines as units age, increasing utility costs. Denver’s high altitude can affect water heater performance, making regular maintenance especially important. If your unit approaches 10 years old and shows any warning signs, replacement often proves more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
Tankless water heater systems provide hot water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses from keeping a tank constantly heated. This translates to significant energy savings, often 20-30% compared to traditional units. Their compact, wall-mounted design saves valuable space in Denver homes.
Tankless units typically last 20+ years with proper maintenance, nearly double the lifespan of tank water heaters. For Colorado’s climate, consider that tankless systems may require larger gas lines for adequate heating capacity during winter months when incoming water temperatures drop significantly. A professional plumber can evaluate your home’s specific requirements.
In most Denver homes, the main shutoff valve is located where the water line enters your home, typically in the basement near the front foundation wall, or in a utility area. It may be a gate valve (round handle) or ball valve (lever handle). Turn clockwise to close gate valves. Turn lever perpendicular to the pipe for ball valves.
Know this location before a plumbing emergency occurs. In a water leak situation or burst pipe, quick access to your shutoff valve prevents extensive water damage. Individual shutoff valves under sinks and behind toilets control specific fixtures, allowing targeted repairs without disrupting your entire water supply.
Despite its name, a garbage disposal cannot handle everything. Avoid grease, fats, and oils. These solidify in pipes and cause clogged drains. Bones, fruit pits, and hard items damage blades. Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and artichokes wrap around mechanisms. Coffee grounds and eggshells create granular buildup.
Pasta, rice, and starchy foods expand with water and form clogs in your kitchen drain. In Denver’s hard water areas, mineral deposits already challenge drain systems, making proper disposal habits even more important. Run cold water for 15-20 seconds after using the disposal to flush food particles completely through.
A running toilet typically indicates a faulty flapper valve that no longer seals properly against the flush valve. Check by adding food coloring to your toilet tank. If color appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, the flapper needs replacement. This simple fix requires minimal tools and costs a few dollars.
A faulty fill valve or misadjusted float arm can also cause continuous running. The overflow pipe may be set too low, allowing water to drain constantly. A running toilet wastes thousands of gallons monthly, significantly increasing your water bill. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, call a plumber to diagnose internal tank component failures.
Prevention starts with proper waste disposal. Never flush anything except toilet paper and human waste. “Flushable” wipes, feminine products, and paper towels cause significant sewer line clogs. Avoid pouring grease down drains, as it solidifies and accumulates in your main sewer line.
Tree roots pose particular challenges in mature Denver neighborhoods, infiltrating clay pipes through small cracks and causing sewage backups. Regular camera inspections can identify root intrusion before complete blockages occur. Older Denver homes with original clay pipes should consider periodic professional inspections. A backflow preventer can protect against municipal system backups.
That “rotten egg” odor typically indicates bacterial growth feeding on debris trapped in drain pipes. The P-trap, a U-shaped pipe beneath sinks, holds water that blocks sewer gases from entering your home. In unused bathroom plumbing fixtures, this water evaporates, allowing gases through.
Run water in infrequently used drains weekly to maintain the trap seal. Dish soap and hot water can help clean minor bacterial buildup. Persistent odors may indicate problems with your septic system, damaged vent pipes, or deeper plumbing issues requiring professional assessment to ensure safety and proper diagnosis.
Denver’s hard water contains high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. These mineral deposits accumulate inside pipes, water heaters, and appliances over time. Buildup reduces water heater efficiency, shortens appliance lifespans, and restricts water flow through water supply lines.
Showerheads and faucet aerators clog more frequently. Water heaters require more energy to heat water through scale accumulation. Water softener installation significantly reduces these problems, protecting your plumbing system and improving appliance efficiency. Regular maintenance, including water heater flushing, helps combat sediment buildup common in Denver metro area homes.
Call a plumber immediately for any plumbing emergency: burst pipes, major water leaks, sewage backups, gas line concerns, or complete loss of water supply. Situations involving your water heater, main water line, or sewer line typically require professional expertise and may need permits.
Beyond emergencies, contact experienced plumbers for persistent clogged toilet issues, low water pressure affecting multiple fixtures, hidden leaks, or any bathroom remodeling project requiring fixture relocation. Complex plumbing services ensure work meets local regulations and prevents further damage. When considering whether an issue requires professional attention,