Gas Line Services in Arvada, CO

Does a bigger water heater or furnace change anything in Arvada?

It can. Arvada requires a permit and inspection before replacing or installing a water heater or other gas appliance, and the city treats a change in the appliance's BTU input of 5% or more as a modification rather than a simple swap. That matters because a larger burner can outrun the gas line that fed the old unit. If you are moving to a higher-output water heater, a bigger furnace or a tankless unit, expect the plumber to check the pipe size from the meter and the venting, and to put the job under the right permit. City of Arvada Building Services on Ralston Road handles those permits; contractors registered with the city apply online, while homeowners doing their own work apply in person at City Hall.

What is likely hiding in the gas piping of an older Arvada house?

Census survey figures put Arvada's median build year at 1979, with about 52% of homes built before 1980. The city grew quickly after World War II from an agricultural past (it once called itself the Celery Capital of the World), so many homes around Olde Town Arvada and along the older corridors have had their gas systems reworked through several rounds of appliance changes. Common findings include iron pipe tapped in multiple places, capped stubs where a range or space heater used to be, aging appliance connectors and flexible tubing spliced into original pipe during a remodel. A pressure test and a look at the exposed piping tell the plumber which parts can stay.

Who do I call, Xcel or a plumber?

Both, depending on the problem. Xcel Energy supplies Arvada's natural gas and answers leak calls at 1-800-895-2999; call it, along with 911, any time you smell gas, after you are out of the house. Xcel also handles the meter and service up to it. Anything after the meter, such as a leaking union in the basement, a new branch to a gas dryer, or a line to a backyard grill, is piping that belongs to the owner and is plumber work.

A local note

Arvada is large and spread across Jefferson and Adams counties, from Olde Town to newer neighborhoods toward the foothills. Wherever you are in the city, plan gas work ahead of the heating season and keep the permit in mind; the city wants the inspection completed before a replaced or modified appliance goes into regular use.