Quick answer
Littleton requires a permit to install, alter, repair or replace any plumbing, gas, mechanical or electrical system, and every contractor working in the city must hold a Littleton license. Homeowner permits are only for owner-occupied homes, and under city policy 22-001 they do not cover work that could adversely affect plumbing systems. Denver Water supplies Littleton's water.
Updated · By the Denver Plumber Pros editorial team · How we research
Who supplies water in Littleton?
Littleton's water supply page states that potable water in the city is provided and managed by Denver Water, and that the city's public works department does not provide that service. If you see water bubbling up in the street or lose pressure on the whole block, report it to Denver Water at 303-893-2444 on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or 303-628-6801 after hours. A leak on your side of the meter, inside the house or in your yard line, is a job for the plumber you hire.
What are Littleton homes like?
Littleton has a historic downtown and a wide mix of housing ages. Census Bureau survey data for 2020 to 2024 put the median year built at 1982, with about 46 percent of homes built before 1980 and about 29 percent before 1970 (ACS table B25034 via Census Reporter). Older sections tend to have galvanized supply lines and aging sewer laterals, while 1980s and 1990s homes are reaching the age where original water heaters, pressure regulators and shutoff valves wear out.
When does Littleton require a plumbing permit?
Littleton's permits, review guides and requirements page says a permit is required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system. That wording covers a water heater swap, a new gas line to an appliance and most repiping. All permits are submitted through the city's eTRAKiT portal, and the page states that all contractors working in Littleton must be currently licensed with the city.
Can a Littleton homeowner do their own plumbing?
Usually not for work on the plumbing system itself. The city's homeowner permit policy 22-001 (March 2022) sets out the rules:
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Owner, user and occupant only | Homeowner permits are available only for residential property you own, use and occupy |
| You must do the work yourself | You personally perform all of the permitted work |
| No structural impact | The work cannot affect the structure, as determined by the Chief Building Official |
| No risk to systems | The work cannot potentially adversely affect the mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems |
| Owners who do not live there | Must obtain a contractor license or work under a licensed general contractor |
The last two rows are the important ones for plumbing. If the job could adversely affect your plumbing system, which a water heater replacement or repipe can, the city expects a licensed contractor. The permits page adds that a homeowner acting as general contractor on a project with two or more disciplines must hire a Littleton-licensed general contractor or pass an International Code Council test.
How do you check a plumber before hiring in Littleton?
- Ask for the company's City of Littleton contractor license, since it cannot pull a permit without one.
- Look up the individual plumber in the Colorado DORA license lookup to confirm an active state license.
- Get a written quote that names who pulls the permit and what inspections are expected.
- Check complaint history and reviews as described in our plumber hiring guide.
What rebates can Littleton residents use?
Because Denver Water serves Littleton, its programs apply. The Denver Water toilet rebate pays up to $100 for a new WaterSense toilet averaging 0.8 gallons per flush or less that replaces an old fixture. Apply online within 90 days of purchase; there is a limit of two toilet rebates per residence in a 10-year period, and the program depends on available funds.
Common Littleton plumbing projects
For older laterals and recurring backups, see sewer line repair. If you are weighing a tank replacement, the water heater guide covers sizing and timing. Cracked basement slabs and sticking doors can point to soil movement; our article on expansive soil and slab leaks explains the connection.
Who runs this site
This is an independent homeowner guide. We are not a contractor and do not do plumbing work. You are welcome to send a request by email with your Littleton ZIP, a description and photos. We answer with next steps and, where a licensed local contractor is available, an introduction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace my own water heater in Littleton?
Littleton's homeowner permit policy 22-001 allows owner-occupants to permit work they personally perform only if it does not potentially adversely affect the mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems. A water heater connects to plumbing and usually gas or electric service, so check with the Building Division before assuming a homeowner permit applies.
Who do I call for a water line break in the street in Littleton?
Denver Water provides and manages Littleton's water. Report line breaks or water problems to Denver Water at 303-893-2444 on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or 303-628-6801 after hours. Leaks on your side of the meter are the property owner's responsibility.
Does a contractor need a Littleton license to work in the city?
Yes. Littleton's building permits page states that all contractors conducting work within the city must be currently licensed with the city, and permits are submitted through eTRAKiT. Ask for the license number and confirm the individual plumber's state license separately.
Sources
Independent homeowner guide operated by SWKM GmbH. Not a licensed contractor. We do not perform plumbing work. More about this site.