Serving Cortez, 81321

Water Heater Repair in Cortez, CO

Cortez draws its water from McPhee Reservoir, and the city requires a building permit for most plumbing alterations. If your water heater is leaking or cold, call and get a plumber out.

Call for service(858) 465-8561 What's different in Cortez

One callStraight to water heater help
Repair or replaceHonest advice on which makes sense
All major brandsRheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien
Local to youPlumbers who work in your town

Cortez at a glance

What shapes water heater trouble in Cortez

2.2 ppb

90th percentile lead at Cortez taps, 2024

Source: City of Cortez

14%

of Cortez homes are mobile homes

Source: US Census Bureau

36%

of homes built before 1960

Source: US Census Bureau

74%

of Cortez homes heat with gas

Source: US Census Bureau

Water

McPhee Reservoir

The City of Cortez's drinking water report for 2025 lists McPhee Reservoir, a surface water intake, as its source. In the 2024 lead and copper sampling at 20 sites, the 90th percentile was 2.2 ppb for lead, with one site over the action level, and 0.1 ppm for copper. Sodium measured 13.3 ppm in 2022. To have your water tested, call Water Plant Superintendent Randy Hunt at 970-837-7218.

Homes

Older houses and mobile homes

Census estimates put the median Cortez home at 1972. About 36% were built before 1960 and about 17% since 2000. About 65% are detached houses, about 14% are mobile homes and about 34% of households rent. Gas heats about 74% of homes, electricity about 19% and propane about 4%.

Permits and disposal

Permits for plumbing work

The Cortez Building Division says a building permit is needed for most plumbing and mechanical alterations or extensions, and for replacing sewer, gas or water lines. If in doubt, call the office at 970-565-3402.

The city's bulk trash dumpster service does not accept appliances. The landfill is operated by Montezuma County.

Before the plumber arrives

Safe steps for Cortez 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? If your home has gas or propane and you smell it, leave the house and call 911 and your gas supplier from outside.