Hiring a plumber in Arvada, CO: what to know first

What makes plumbing in Arvada different?

Arvada is an older suburb with a long tail of mid-century housing. U.S. Census Bureau survey data for 2020 to 2024 put the median year Arvada homes were built at 1979, with about 53 percent built before 1980 and about 27 percent before 1970 (ACS table B25034 via Census Reporter). Homes of that age often still have original galvanized supply pipe, cast iron or clay sewer laterals and water heaters that have been swapped several times, so permits and service line rules come up more often than in newer cities.

Most Arvada homes get water from the City of Arvada utility, but not all. The city's own program pages note that some properties are served by other systems, so check who sends your water bill before you rely on any city program below.

Does Arvada have a lead service line deadline?

Yes, and it is close. Under the Arvada Service Line Replacement Program, the property owner is responsible for making sure any lead water service line is replaced on or before December 31, 2026. Key points from the city:

• Through December 31, 2026: with owner consent, the city pays for and provides full replacement of a lead or unknown customer-owned line, from the meter to the point of entry at the foundation.
• Doing it yourself in that window: if you hire your own contractor instead of using the city program, the city does not reimburse you.
• Financial help: owners who replace before January 1, 2027, did not use the free program and show financial need can receive up to $6,000.
• From January 1, 2027: owners pay for replacement, and failing to replace within 182 days of a city notice carries a $1,000 annual fine.
• Unknown material: owners must report their line material within 63 days of a notice, or the line is treated as lead.

If you received a service line letter, contact the city program before booking private work. It may save you the full cost.

When do you need a plumbing permit in Arvada?

The city's Residential Mechanical and Plumbing page says permits must be approved and issued before work starts on replacements and new installations. The permit type depends on the work:

Work	Permit type	Who can apply
Water heater, boiler or hydronic system	Residential Plumbing	Contractor with an active Arvada plumbing license; owner-occupants may do a water heater themselves
Lawn sprinkler, backflow device, water conditioner	Residential Plumbing	Contractor with an Arvada plumbing license
Drain, waste, vent or water line	Residential Plumbing	Contractor with an Arvada plumbing license
Gas line	Plumbing or Mechanical	Contractor holding the matching Arvada license

Contractors apply through the Arvada Permits portal. Homeowners submit applications to the Building Safety Division at City Hall, 8101 Ralston Road. The same page notes that state permits and inspections apply to boilers over 200,000 BTU.

What about sewer and water service line repairs?

A city permit is required to install, repair or disconnect a water or sewer service, both on private property and in the street right-of-way, according to Arvada's sewer and water service page. Right-of-way work is limited to contractors with a General Municipal Contractor license. Work entirely on private property can be permitted by an Arvada-licensed plumber, or by a homeowner doing the repair, but a permit is still required. Every application needs a Colorado 811 locate confirmation number, and repair permits typically take one to two business days. If you need a camera inspection or lateral repair, our sewer line repair guide explains the options.

Which code and frost depth apply?

Arvada adopted the 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Plumbing Code, effective March 24, 2026, with a 36 inch frost depth listed in its adopted codes and design criteria. Water and sewer lines in unheated crawlspaces or near exterior walls are where winter trouble usually starts; see how to prevent frozen pipes.

How do you check an Arvada plumber's license?

Two checks, because Arvada licenses contractors in addition to the state. First, look the individual up in the Colorado DORA license lookup under the Plumbing Board. Second, ask the company for its City of Arvada license number, because without one it cannot pull the permit online. A company that suggests skipping the permit is a reason to keep looking. Our guide on how to choose a plumber covers quotes and contracts.

How this site can help

We are an independent homeowner guide, not a contractor, and we do not perform plumbing work. If you would like help, send a request by email with your Arvada address or ZIP, the problem and any photos. We reply with next steps and, where a licensed local contractor is available, an introduction.