3 services · Boulder
Water heaters in Boulder, CO
Most tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. A plumber can often repair a heater that stops making hot water, but a tank that leaks from the bottom has failed and needs to be replaced. Tankless heaters last longer but cost more to install, especially if the gas line or venting has to change.
- Licensed local plumbers
- The problem explained before work starts
- Price agreed before the job begins
Water heaters services in Boulder
Water heater repair
UrgentIf a gas water heater has no hot water, the pilot, thermocouple or gas valve is the usual cause; on an electric heater it's usually an element or thermostat. Those parts are repairable. A tank that leaks from the bottom can't be repaired and needs to be replaced.
Water heater replacement
A leaking tank or a heater past about 10 years old is usually replaced rather than repaired. A proper install includes a permit, correct venting (adjusted for altitude where needed), an expansion tank where required, a drip leg on the gas line and a relief valve discharge pipe.
Tankless water heaters in Boulder
A tankless water heater heats water as it flows, so it doesn't run out, but it needs a larger gas line, its own venting and a unit rated for your elevation. Installed correctly and descaled regularly, it can outlast a tank heater.
Local conditions
Water heaters in Boulder: what's different
Boulder's energy goals make high-efficiency and tankless water heaters a common choice when an old tank fails. In historic homes the heater is often in a cramped basement, so venting and access for a new unit need to be checked before choosing a model.
Rentals near the university see heavy hot-water use, which wears out tanks faster. Permits for water heater replacements come from the City of Boulder Planning and Development Services, or Boulder County for unincorporated addresses like parts of Gunbarrel.
- Water and sewer in Boulder
- City of Boulder Utilities provides water and wastewater service inside the city. Gunbarrel and other unincorporated areas may be served by districts.
- Permits in Boulder
- The City of Boulder Planning and Development Services issues plumbing permits; unincorporated areas go through Boulder County.
Boulder housing and plumbing
Historic homes may have clay sewer lines, galvanized supply and cast-iron drains, plus additions with newer pipe spliced in. Mid-century ranches in Martin Acres and Table Mesa have original sewer laterals now 60+ years old. Rental-heavy areas near the university see heavy fixture use.
Other Boulder conditions that affect plumbing
- Historic-home plumbing: Older homes on Mapleton Hill and the Hill often need repiping and sewer work, with care around historic finishes.
- Tree roots in sewer lines: Boulder's mature tree canopy sends roots into clay sewer joints, causing repeat main-line clogs.
- Flood-prone lower levels: Homes near Boulder Creek and its tributaries can see water in lower levels during heavy rain, which makes backwater valves and working sump pumps important.
Neighborhoods and ZIP codes
Plumbers on Thawline cover Boulder and Boulder County, including Mapleton Hill, University Hill, North Boulder, Table Mesa, Martin Acres, Gunbarrel. ZIP codes: 80301 · 80302 · 80303 · 80304 · 80305.
When to call a plumber in Boulder
- No hot water, or hot water that runs out much faster than it used to
- Water pooling around the base of the tank
- Rumbling or popping from the tank
- Rusty or smelly hot water
- A pilot that won't stay lit or a tankless unit showing an error code
- A heater more than 10 years old before it fails
How these problems start and how to choose between repair options is covered in the water heaters guide.
Water heaters questions in Boulder
Is tankless a good choice for an older Boulder home?
How long does a water heater replacement take?
More plumbing in Boulder
Need help with water heaters in Boulder?
Tell us what's going on and your ZIP code. You'll be connected with a licensed plumber who serves your area.
Call now to check plumber availability