Colorado winters are tough on plumbing. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow loads, and ground shifts can all take a toll on your pipes, fixtures, and water heater. The good news is that most spring plumbing problems are easy to catch early — if you know where to look.
Here are the 8 things we recommend every homeowner in Brighton, Thornton, Commerce City, Westminster, and the surrounding Denver metro area check as the weather warms up.
1. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
This is the single most common source of spring plumbing problems in Colorado. Turn on each outdoor faucet one at a time and watch for leaks at the handle, spout, and where the pipe enters the wall. If water trickles weakly or doesn't come out at all, the pipe behind the wall may have frozen and cracked during winter.
What to look for: dripping from the spout when off, wet spots on the interior wall behind the faucet, or reduced water pressure compared to last year.
2. Inspect Visible Pipes for Damage
Walk through your basement, crawl space, and garage and visually inspect all exposed pipes. Look for cracks, bulges, discoloration, or any signs of moisture. Even a small drip can waste over 3,000 gallons per year and cause significant water damage over time.
Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls — these are most vulnerable to freeze damage.
3. Test All Toilets for Leaks
A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons per day and add $50-100 to your monthly water bill. Flush each toilet and listen — if it keeps running for more than 30 seconds or you hear water trickling long after the flush, the flapper valve likely needs replacing.
Quick test: Drop a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a slow leak.
4. Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank over the winter months, reducing efficiency and shortening its lifespan. Spring is the ideal time to drain 2-3 gallons from the tank to flush out accumulated minerals.
This is especially important in the Brighton and Thornton areas where hard water accelerates sediment buildup. If you haven't flushed your water heater in over a year, or if you're hearing popping or rumbling sounds, it's overdue.
5. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
While not strictly "plumbing," clogged gutters can cause water to pool around your foundation, which leads to basement flooding and sewer line stress. Clear out winter debris and make sure downspouts direct water at least 3 feet away from the foundation.
Colorado's spring snowmelt season (March-May) puts extra pressure on drainage systems. A few minutes of gutter maintenance now can prevent a flooded basement later.
6. Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, spring is when it earns its keep. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump and make sure it activates, drains the water, and shuts off properly. If it doesn't activate, makes unusual noises, or cycles on and off rapidly, get it serviced before the spring rains hit.
7. Check Water Pressure
Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor hose bib and check your reading. Normal residential water pressure should be between 40-80 PSI. If pressure is above 80 PSI, you're at risk for pipe damage and should consider a pressure regulator. If it's below 40 PSI, there may be a leak, a partially closed valve, or mineral buildup restricting flow.
Fluctuating pressure that wasn't there last fall is a red flag — it often indicates a developing leak somewhere in the system.
8. Inspect Your Main Sewer Cleanout
Locate your main sewer cleanout (usually a capped pipe in the yard or basement) and check for any standing water, odors, or signs of backup. Tree roots grow aggressively in spring and are the #1 cause of sewer line blockages in established neighborhoods throughout Brighton and the Denver metro area.
If you notice slow drains in multiple fixtures or gurgling sounds, a camera inspection of your sewer line is a smart preventive step.
When to Call a Professional
Most of these checks are things you can do yourself in under an hour. But call a licensed plumber if you find any of the following:
- Cracked or bulging pipes
- Water stains on walls or ceilings near plumbing
- Outdoor faucets that won't produce water
- Water heater leaking from the tank
- Sump pump that won't activate
- Sewer odors inside or outside the home
- Water pressure consistently above 80 PSI or below 40 PSI
Catching these issues early — before they turn into emergencies — is always faster, cheaper, and less stressful than dealing with a burst pipe or flooded basement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I do a spring plumbing inspection?
In Colorado, the best time is late March through April, after the last hard freeze but before heavy summer usage. This gives you time to address any winter damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
How much does a plumbing inspection cost in Colorado?
A basic plumbing inspection in the Denver metro area typically costs $75–$200 depending on the size of your home. Many plumbers, including Glaze Plumbing, offer free visual inspections when combined with a service call. A camera inspection of your sewer line runs $150–$400 separately.
Can frozen pipes cause damage that shows up later in spring?
Yes. Pipes that froze during winter may have hairline cracks or weakened joints that don't leak immediately. As temperatures rise and water pressure increases, these weak points can fail. Catching a slow leak early can save thousands in water damage repairs.
Need a professional spring plumbing inspection? Call (720) 605-0683 or request a free estimate. We serve Brighton, Thornton, Commerce City, Westminster, and the surrounding Denver metro area.