In Bailey, it's time for a new water heater when the tank leaks, the hot water fades or turns rusty, or an older unit keeps failing. Bailey is an unincorporated Park County community served for gas by Colorado Natural Gas, so the plumber should confirm the permit path and pick a unit suited to the fuel and the mountain elevation. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Bailey.
Bailey sits in the Platte Canyon along US 285, and its mountain homes vary widely in how they get water. Bailey Water and Sanitation District serves only members of its district and runs a public water station off US 285; homes outside the district aren't on its system, so your water source depends on your property. Colorado Natural Gas is the gas utility listed for the area, and its emergency line is 1-800-883-3181.
What to do now
- Shut the cold water valve on top of the heater to stop a leak.
- Turn the heater's gas control to off, or switch off its breaker if it's electric.
- If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and Colorado Natural Gas at 1-800-883-3181 from outside. If your home runs on propane, call 911 and your propane supplier instead.
- In freezing weather, keep the house heated; draining the tank doesn't mean the rest of the plumbing is safe from cold.
- Write down the heater's size, fuel type and age from the label.
- Call for a replacement and ask how the plumber will handle the permit and inspection in Park County.
Signs and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water leaking from the tank body | The tank has corroded through and must be replaced |
| Pilot won't stay lit | Thermocouple, gas valve or a draft problem in the vent |
| Hot water runs out fast | Sediment, a failed element or a dip tube problem |
| Orange or brown hot water | Tank corrosion or a spent anode rod |
| Rumbling during heating | Mineral sediment on the tank floor |
Cost factors
- Fuel type, and whether the new unit must be set up for natural gas or propane
- A model rated for high-altitude operation
- Venting changes and combustion air in tight mountain utility spaces
- Expansion tank, drain pan and relief line work
- Travel and access on steep or snowy driveways
- The permit, inspection and hauling away the old tank
The Park County Building Department in Fairplay handles building permits and inspections across the county except in Fairplay and Alma, through its CloudPermit portal, at 719-836-4255. Park County's FAQ says plumbing permits and inspections in the county are contracted to the State of Colorado, so a plumber working in Bailey should know to file with the state. Ask that the permit be part of the quote.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Bailey
Who supplies the gas, and what should I do if I smell gas near the heater?
Does a water heater replacement here need a permit, and who issues it?
Does the Front Range altitude matter when picking a gas water heater?
My house runs on propane. What changes for the swap?
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