Larimer County · Fort Collins, CO
Plumbers in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins is in Larimer County, Colorado. About 202,000 people live in the 9 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 86,000 homes, 57% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (34%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 9 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Fort Collins
80521, 80522, 80523, 80524, 80525, 80526, 80527, 80528, 80553
Fort Collins homes and their plumbing
Here is how Fort Collins's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 5%, 1940–1959 5%, 1960–1979 24%, 1980–1999 34%, 2000 or later 33%. 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 Greeley are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 5% |
| 1940–1959 | 5% |
| 1960–1979 | 24% |
| 1980–1999 | 34% |
| 2000 or later | 33% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 201,525
- Housing units
- 86,262
- Single-family detached
- 57%
- Owner-occupied
- 57%
- Heated with utility gas
- 68%
- Heated with electricity
- 27%
What goes wrong in Fort Collins homes
Natural gas in most homes
68% 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.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
34% 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.
Long, hard winters
33% 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.
Common calls in Fort Collins
- Gas Line Repair
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Fort Collins: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Fort Collins at a glance
- County
- Larimer County
- Nearest city pages
- Greeley
- ZIP codes
- 80521, 80522, 80523, 80524, 80525, 80526, 80527, 80528, 80553
Fort Collins plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Fort Collins?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Fort Collins, Census estimates put 9% of homes as built before 1960, 24% from 1960 to 1979, 34% from 1980 to 1999 and 33% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (34%).
Who licenses plumbers in Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 68% of homes heating with utility gas, 27% with electricity. 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 Fort Collins homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Timnath (6 mi), Laporte (8 mi), Loveland (9 mi), Windsor (9 mi), Severance (11 mi), Wellington (11 mi), Johnstown (15 mi), Berthoud (17 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 Fort Collins, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Fort Collins?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.