Water Heater Repair in Golden, CO

Clear Creek water that changes with the seasons

Golden treats its own water from Clear Creek. The city says hardness comes from naturally occurring calcium and magnesium and fluctuates as the creek level changes, usually between 40 and 170 ppm; water above 180 ppm is generally considered very hard. The city leaves softeners up to personal preference and points out that they add salt. At the harder end of that range, sediment builds faster in a tank, so a yearly drain and flush is a good habit.

Brown water can happen when lines are stirred up by maintenance or repairs. The city's advice is to run the cold tap for 15 to 20 minutes, and using cold keeps that sediment out of your water heater. Milky or cloudy water is usually dissolved air from line work or hydrant use and can take several hours to clear. If your water stops unexpectedly, there may be a break near your house; the Water & Sewer Emergency Line is 303-384-8158, staffed 24 hours. The water lab is 303-384-8181.

Permit, licensed contractor and inspection

Golden's permit guide lists water heater installation or replacement among the projects that need a city permit. Every contractor working on a permitted job inside city limits needs a Golden contractor license and must be named on the permit before it's issued. After the install, a final plumbing inspection is required, and the city says thermal expansion tanks must be installed to the manufacturer's guidelines and labeled with their set pressure. The Building Division is at 303-384-8151.