Boulder County · Boulder, CO
Plumbers in Boulder, CO
Boulder is in Boulder County, Colorado. About 129,000 people live in the 11 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 58,000 homes, 45% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (38%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 11 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Boulder
80301, 80302, 80303, 80304, 80305, 80306, 80307, 80308, 80309, 80310, 80314
Boulder homes and their plumbing
Here is how Boulder's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 7%, 1940–1959 9%, 1960–1979 38%, 1980–1999 28%, 2000 or later 17%. Most homes are old enough that original pipe, valves and water heaters are wearing out, but young enough that full repipes are a case-by-case call. Neighboring areas such as Broomfield, Longmont, Arvada are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 7% |
| 1940–1959 | 9% |
| 1960–1979 | 38% |
| 1980–1999 | 28% |
| 2000 or later | 17% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 129,202
- Housing units
- 57,765
- Single-family detached
- 45%
- Owner-occupied
- 53%
- Heated with utility gas
- 63%
- Heated with electricity
- 30%
- Heated with propane
- 4%
What goes wrong in Boulder homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
38% of the housing here dates from 1960 to 1979. Original copper supply lines in those homes are now 45 to 65 years old, and cast iron drains of that age scale up inside and crack. Seized shutoff valves, pinhole leaks and recurring main-line clogs are common calls. A camera inspection shows the condition of the sewer line before anyone digs.
Natural gas in most homes
63% of occupied homes here heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters, ranges and dryers are common. That means gas line extensions for new appliances, flexible connector replacements and venting checks when a water heater is swapped. If you smell gas, leave first and call the gas utility from outside. See gas line repair.
Long, hard winters
55% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Colorado winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
28% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999. Polybutylene supply pipe was installed widely in US homes from about 1978 to 1995, so houses from these years are worth checking for gray plastic pipe stamped PB2110, usually visible at the water heater or under sinks. Insurers and buyers often ask about it. See polybutylene replacement.
Common calls in Boulder
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Boulder: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Boulder at a glance
- County
- Boulder County
- Nearest city pages
- Broomfield, Longmont, Arvada
- ZIP codes
- 80301, 80302, 80303, 80304, 80305, 80306, 80307, 80308, 80309, 80310, 80314
Boulder plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Boulder?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Boulder, Census estimates put 17% of homes as built before 1960, 38% from 1960 to 1979, 28% from 1980 to 1999 and 17% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (38%).
Who licenses plumbers in Boulder, CO?
Colorado's State Plumbing Board, part of the Division of Professions and Occupations, licenses plumbers; most jurisdictions also require permits.
Are water heaters in Boulder usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 63% of homes heating with utility gas, 30% with electricity and 4% with propane. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so utility gas is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Boulder homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Eldorado Springs (6 mi), Louisville (7 mi), Niwot (7 mi), Lafayette (8 mi), Jamestown (10 mi), Erie (11 mi), Westminster (14 mi), Nederland (14 mi).
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Boulder, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Boulder?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.