Water Heater Repair in Aurora, CO
Aurora's water averages 136 ppm of hardness, about 8 grains per gallon, and daily samples run from 87 to 198. The city lets homeowners replace their own water heater with a permit and inspections. If yours has quit or is leaking and you'd rather not do it yourself, call and get a plumber out.
What shapes water heater trouble in Aurora
Three river basins and a hardness that moves
Aurora's water rights sit in the South Platte, Colorado and Arkansas river basins, and the city says about half of its portfolio is agricultural rights on the South Platte. Its Prairie Waters system uses 29 wells in Weld County to pull South Platte water through hundreds of feet of sand and gravel, then pumps it almost 1,000 feet uphill to the Binney Purification Facility near Aurora Reservoir. That system can add up to 10 million gallons a day. Aurora Water also runs the Griswold and Wemlinger plants.
The 2026 table puts average hardness at 136 ppm, with daily samples from 87 to 198 ppm and an average pH of 8.1. Water toward the top of that range leaves more scale behind in a tank, so a yearly flush is worth doing.
Replacing a water heater yourself, legally
The city's Building Division says that as a homeowner in Aurora, you may replace a water heater yourself, but you're responsible for making sure the work meets code and passes every inspection. Apply for a water heater replacement permit and list the heater's capacity and whether it's gas or electric. Its permit table says a water heater replacement always needs a permit and no plan submittal, with plumbing and electrical inspections, and more depending on the project.
Inspectors also offer free project consultations on what they look for. Inspections can be requested online until 5:45 a.m. on the day of the inspection, or by calling the Permit Center at 303-739-7420.
One-month leak credit on your water bill
If a leak ran up your bill, Aurora Water may give a one-month billing adjustment. Your account has to be current, your use has to have doubled from the same period last year, and you need receipts showing the leak was repaired. The request must come within 90 days of finding the leak, only one adjustment is granted in 12 months, and Aurora Water can inspect the property. The credit covers part of the overage. The billing office is at 303-739-7388.
Repair grants and free service line replacement
Aurora's Essential Home Repair Program gives grants for urgent problems, including broken water heaters. CBS Colorado reported in December 2024 that grants could cover up to $12,000 for repairs other than sewer or water lines, for owner-occupied homes inside city limits with household income at or below 80% of area median income, one grant per applicant. The city says its housing rehabilitation programs are first come, first served until the money runs out. Call 303-739-7900 to ask about current limits.
Separately, if Aurora Water confirms your home has a lead or galvanized service line that needs replacing, the replacement is free. Program questions go to 720-859-4411.
Xcel Energy gas service
Xcel Energy lists Aurora for both gas and electric service. If you smell gas near the water heater, leave the house, call 911 from outside, then call Xcel at 800-895-2999.
Safe steps for Aurora homes
- Leaking? Close the cold water valve on top of the tank.
- Turn off the gas valve or the breaker for the heater.
- Gas smell? Leave the house, call 911 from outside, then Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.
Repair, replacement and emergencies
Water Heater Repair
Gas, electric and tankless repairs, from pilot lights to heating elements.
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No Hot Water
Cold shower this morning? Get the cause found and fixed fast.
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Leaking Water Heater
Water around the tank or a dripping relief valve. Act before it floods.
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Emergency Water Heater Repair
Burst tank, gas smell or water everywhere. Call right away.
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Water Heater Replacement
When repair no longer makes sense, get a new tank or tankless unit.
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Tankless Water Heater Repair
Error codes, lukewarm water and scale buildup on tankless units.
Learn moreAurora water heater questions
Who is the gas company in Aurora, CO?
Xcel Energy lists Aurora for natural gas service. If you smell gas, leave first, call 911 from outside, then Xcel at 800-895-2999.
How hard is Aurora's water?
Aurora's 2026 table shows an average of 136 ppm, about 8 grains per gallon, with daily samples from 87 to 198 ppm.
Can I replace my own water heater in Aurora?
Yes, as a homeowner, with a water heater replacement permit. You're responsible for meeting code and passing the plumbing and electrical inspections.
Does Aurora Water credit a leak on my bill?
It may give a one-month adjustment if your use doubled from the same period last year, you have repair receipts, and you ask within 90 days of finding the leak.
Is there help paying for a broken water heater in Aurora?
The city's Essential Home Repair Program gives grants to income-qualified homeowners for urgent repairs, including broken water heaters. Call 303-739-7900.
Where these local facts come from
- US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 (via Census Reporter)
- City of Aurora, drinking water quality (2026 table: hardness, pH)
- City of Aurora, Prairie Waters and water sources
- Aurora Water, 2023 Water Quality Report (Binney, Griswold and Wemlinger facilities)
- City of Aurora Building Division, Do It Yourself and Do It Right brochure (water heaters)
- City of Aurora, inspections and certificate of occupancy
- Aurora Water, leak adjustment flyer
- City of Aurora, housing rehabilitation programs
- CBS Colorado, Aurora program helps low-income households afford essential repairs (Dec. 11, 2024)
- City of Aurora, lead service line replacement program
- Xcel Energy, 2022 Colorado communities served (gas and electric key)
Figures are the latest published by each source. Pricing and availability are set by the plumber.
No hot water in Aurora?
Call now for water heater repair or replacement.