Water Heater Repair in Westminster, CO
Westminster's water runs 7 to 9 grains per gallon, partly because the city adds calcium on purpose to protect its pipes. A water heater replacement permit here costs $40, and income-qualified owners can get help paying for a new heater. If yours has quit or is leaking, call and get a plumber out.
What shapes water heater trouble in Westminster
Standley Lake water, with calcium added
Westminster's water starts as snowmelt along Clear Creek and is diverted through canals into Standley Lake, which holds up to 14 billion gallons. Half of it belongs to Westminster, enough to serve the city for about a year. The city's 2026 report lists total hardness of about 112 to 152 ppm, or 7 to 9 grains per gallon, for 2025.
Some of that hardness is deliberate. The city says it adds calcium to the water to help form a thin calcium carbonate scale inside pipes, which protects them from corrosion, and its treatment plants add lime for corrosion control. That's good for the pipes, but a tank heats the water and drops some of that calcium out as sediment, so a yearly drain and flush matters here. Seasonal changes in Standley Lake can also make the water taste a little earthy for a while, which the city says is safe.
Xcel gas and a $40 permit
About 69% of Westminster homes heat with natural gas, which Xcel Energy supplies, and 29% with electricity. About 38% of households rent, so if you do, tell your landlord first.
The city's fee schedule lists a water heater replacement in a single-family home at $40. Apply at the residential counter and include the heater's BTU rating and gallon size. A tankless water heater also needs a gas pipe plan. Homeowners living in the house can do the work and pull the permit themselves; if you hire a contractor, the contractor must be on the permit. Questions go to the Building Division at 303-658-2075.
Leak repairs and home repair help
Westminster's leak repair program is free for income-qualified homeowners whose water meter reports a leak, and fixing the leak lets them join the city's other water assistance programs. For bigger jobs, the Emergency and Essential Home Repair program covers water heater repair or replacement for owner-occupied homes earning up to 80% of area median income, which the city puts just under $104,320 a year for a family of four.
Which partner you call depends on which side of Sheridan Boulevard you live on. In the Adams County part of the city, it's Brothers Redevelopment at 303-685-4225. In the Jefferson County part, it's Foothills Regional Housing at 303-403-5446. Water bill assistance questions go to 303-658-2392.
Safe steps for Westminster 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? Xcel Energy serves Westminster. 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 moreWestminster water heater questions
Who is the gas company in Westminster, CO?
Xcel Energy lists Westminster for natural gas service. If you smell gas, leave first, call 911 from outside, then Xcel at 800-895-2999.
How hard is Westminster's water?
The city's 2026 report lists total hardness of about 112 to 152 ppm, or 7 to 9 grains per gallon. The city adds calcium on purpose to help protect pipes from corrosion.
How much is a water heater permit in Westminster?
The city's fee schedule lists $40 for a water heater replacement in a single-family home. Include the BTU rating and gallon size. A tankless heater also needs a gas pipe plan.
Can Westminster help pay for a new water heater?
Possibly. The Emergency and Essential Home Repair program covers water heater repair or replacement for income-qualified, owner-occupied homes. Call Brothers Redevelopment (Adams County side) or Foothills Regional Housing (Jefferson County side).
Where these local facts come from
- US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 (via Census Reporter)
- City of Westminster, 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data)
- City of Westminster, Westy Water FAQ (pipe corrosion and service lines)
- City of Westminster, building permit fee schedule
- City of Westminster, Building Division resources (residential counter permits)
- City of Westminster, water bill assistance (leak repair program)
- City of Westminster, housing resources (Emergency and Essential Home Repair 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 Westminster?
Call now for water heater repair or replacement.