Leaks, pipes & freezing · Boulder
Repiping in Boulder, CO
Repiping replaces a home's water supply lines, usually because old galvanized steel has corroded or polybutylene is at risk of failing. Most repipes today use PEX, take two to five days, and are done through small wall openings rather than gutting the house.
- Licensed local plumbers
- The problem explained before work starts
- Price agreed before the job begins
Repiping for Boulder homes
Many homes built before the 1960s still have galvanized supply pipe, which rusts from the inside until pressure drops and the water turns brown. Some homes built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s have gray polybutylene pipe, which can fail at fittings without warning.
For the full guide, including what you can safely do before a plumber arrives, see repiping explained.
Repiping in Boulder at a glance
- Urgency
- Usually plannable
- Area
- Boulder, CO
- Who does the work
- An independent, licensed local plumber
- Permit
- The City of Boulder Planning and Development Services issues plumbing permits
- Typical steps
- Survey → Quote and permit → Run new lines → Inspect and test
- Availability
- Call now to check plumber availability
Signs you need repiping in Boulder
- Low pressure throughout the house, especially on hot
- Rusty or brown water after the water sits overnight
- Repeated pinhole leaks in copper
- Gray plastic supply lines marked PB
- Galvanized pipe visible at the water heater or main
Local conditions
Repiping in Boulder: what's different
Historic homes on Mapleton Hill and the Hill often still have galvanized supply lines, plus additions with newer pipe spliced in. Low pressure, rusty water and leaks at old-to-new joints are the usual reasons to repipe.
Repiping a historic home takes care around plaster, trim and finishes, with new lines routed through basements, closets and attic spaces where possible. The City of Boulder Planning and Development Services issues permits inside the city, and Boulder County covers unincorporated areas.
- Water and sewer in Boulder
- City of Boulder Utilities provides water and wastewater service inside the city. Gunbarrel and other unincorporated areas may be served by districts.
- Permits in Boulder
- The City of Boulder Planning and Development Services issues plumbing permits; unincorporated areas go through Boulder County.
Boulder housing and plumbing
Historic homes may have clay sewer lines, galvanized supply and cast-iron drains, plus additions with newer pipe spliced in. Mid-century ranches in Martin Acres and Table Mesa have original sewer laterals now 60+ years old. Rental-heavy areas near the university see heavy fixture use.
Neighborhoods and ZIP codes
Plumbers on Thawline cover Boulder and Boulder County, including Mapleton Hill, University Hill, North Boulder, Table Mesa, Martin Acres, Gunbarrel. ZIP codes: 80301 · 80302 · 80303 · 80304 · 80305.
Other Boulder conditions that affect plumbing
- Historic-home plumbing: Older homes on Mapleton Hill and the Hill often need repiping and sewer work, with care around historic finishes.
- Tree roots in sewer lines: Boulder's mature tree canopy sends roots into clay sewer joints, causing repeat main-line clogs.
- Flood-prone lower levels: Homes near Boulder Creek and its tributaries can see water in lower levels during heavy rain, which makes backwater valves and working sump pumps important.
How repiping works in Boulder
- 1
Survey
The plumber identifies pipe materials, maps where lines run and plans access points.
- 2
Quote and permit
Repiping typically needs a plumbing permit from the city or county. The plumber pulls it.
- 3
Run new lines
New pipe is fished through walls and floors. Fixtures are switched over one area at a time.
- 4
Inspect and test
The system is pressure tested and inspected before wall openings are patched.
What affects repiping cost in Boulder
Every job is priced by the plumber after they see it. These are the things that move the price most. Ask for the price before work starts.
- Number of bathrooms and fixtures
- PEX versus copper
- Number of stories and whether there's basement access
- Wall patching and painting
- Replacing the main water line at the same time
Repiping questions in Boulder
Is PEX or copper better for repiping an older Boulder home?
Is PEX or copper better for repiping?
Can I live in the house during a repipe?
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
Also in Boulder
Related
Related plumbing services
Leak detection
Turn off every fixture and watch the water meter's leak indicator.
Learn more
Water line repair
The water service line runs from the curb stop near the street to your house, buried below the frost line.
Learn more
Burst pipe repair
Turn off the main water shutoff first, then open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the lines.
Learn more
Water heater replacement
A leaking tank or a heater past about 10 years old is usually replaced rather than repaired.
Learn moreNeed repiping in Boulder?
Tell us what's going on and your ZIP code. You'll be connected with a licensed plumber who serves your area.
Call now to check plumber availability