Quick answer
Centennial requires a permit for any work on plumbing, gas, mechanical or electrical systems, and plumbing companies need a city Plumber's Master Class A license backed by a current state license. The city provides no water or sewer service; several districts do, and Denver Water supplies much of the water. Centennial's median home was built in 1983.
Updated · By the Denver Plumber Pros editorial team · How we research
Who provides water and sewer in Centennial?
Not the city. Centennial's trash and utilities page states that the city does not provide water or sewer service, and that water and sewer service is provided by several different water and sanitation districts. It names Denver Water as the supplier of much of Centennial's water. In practice that means your bill tells you who to call for a meter, a main break or a water pressure question, and which rebates you can use. Keep a recent bill handy when you talk to a plumber, because some service line questions depend on the district's rules.
What kind of housing does Centennial have?
Centennial is an established suburb with relatively little new construction. Census Bureau survey data for 2020 to 2024 put the median year built at 1983, with about 43 percent of homes built before 1980 and only about 14 percent built in 2000 or later (ACS table B25034 via Census Reporter). In homes from that era, original supply lines, shutoff valves and sewer laterals are now roughly 40 years old, which is why a sewer camera inspection before buying and a planned, rather than emergency, water heater replacement are worth considering.
When does Centennial require a permit?
The Centennial Building Division states that a permit is required for any work on electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, as well as for constructing, altering, repairing or demolishing a structure. Permits and contractor licenses are applied for online, and the division advises residents to hire licensed contractors who are willing to obtain a permit. The division is at the Centennial Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Road, phone 303-754-3321.
| Situation | What Centennial expects |
|---|---|
| Water heater, gas line or plumbing change | A permit, since it is work on plumbing, gas or mechanical systems |
| Hiring a plumbing company | The company holds a city Plumber's Master Class A license |
| Doing the work yourself | Sign the homeowner agreement and personally perform the work |
| Inspections | Before work is covered and again at completion |
Can a Centennial homeowner do their own plumbing?
Centennial's homeowner agreement and affidavit lets owners initial each trade they will do themselves, including plumbing. By signing, you affirm that you will do all of your own plumbing work, that you understand the correct way to do it and when to request inspections, and that the work will be personally performed by you. Work must be inspected before it is covered and again before occupancy. If you are not comfortable with that responsibility, hire a licensed company instead.
How does Centennial license plumbers?
The city's contractor license information sheet lists 14 license classes. The Plumber's Master Class A license costs $105 and requires a current master license issued by the State of Colorado Plumbing Board, with a copy attached to the application. So a plumbing company working in Centennial should be able to show both: its city license and a state-licensed individual. Check the state side yourself in the Colorado DORA license lookup, and ask the city Building Division if you want to confirm the city license.
What rebates are available in Centennial?
It depends on your district. If your bill comes from Denver Water or a distributor that qualifies for its programs, the Denver Water toilet rebate pays up to $100 for a WaterSense toilet averaging 0.8 gallons per flush or less. It must replace an old fixture, you apply online within 90 days of purchase, and there is a limit of two toilet rebates per residence in 10 years. Customers of other districts should check their own district's programs.
Where to go next
If a water heater is near the end of its life, read our water heater guide. For slow drains in an older lateral, see drain cleaning. For pricing context, see what a plumber costs in the Denver area.
About this site
We are an independent guide to plumbing in the Denver metro, not a contractor, and we do not perform work. If you want an introduction, email us with your Centennial ZIP, your water district, the symptoms and photos. We reply with next steps and, where a licensed local contractor is available, an introduction.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call about a water main break or meter in Centennial?
Call the water district on your bill. The City of Centennial does not provide water or sewer service; several water and sanitation districts serve residents, and Denver Water supplies much of the city's water. A plumber can fix pipes on your side of the meter, but district-owned equipment is the district's responsibility.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Centennial?
Centennial's Building Division says a permit is required for any work on electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, and a water heater replacement touches plumbing and usually gas or electrical. Apply online, or make sure the licensed company you hire pulls the permit and schedules the inspections.
What license should a Centennial plumbing company have?
The city's contractor license sheet lists a Plumber's Master Class A license, which costs $105 and requires a current master license from the State of Colorado Plumbing Board. Ask the company for both its city license and the name of its state-licensed master so you can look that person up.
Sources
Independent homeowner guide operated by SWKM GmbH. Not a licensed contractor. We do not perform plumbing work. More about this site.