Repiping in Conifer, CO

How does a well change a Conifer repipe?

Conifer is an unincorporated foothills community along US 285, at roughly 8,262 feet, made up almost entirely of single-family detached homes. Jefferson County says mountain-area water is generally supplied by private wells, and that homeowners are responsible for testing their wells and keeping the water free of pathogens and pollutants. The Village at Conifer commercial area is served by Aspen Park Metropolitan District, but most homes are on their own wells.

On a well, there is no utility meter to work from. The new supply system begins at the pressure tank, and any filters, softeners or other treatment equipment get reconnected afterward. Water chemistry matters because water that is aggressive or carries minerals can shorten the life of copper. The county recommends testing for hardness, iron, manganese and total dissolved solids when fixtures show staining or buildup, and that same test is useful when deciding between PEX and copper for new lines.

Signs my pipe is the problem, not the well?

Low pressure in a well home can come from the pump, the pressure switch or the tank as well as the pipe, so a plumber checks those first. Pointers toward the pipe itself include pinhole leaks showing up in different places, green or blue stains around copper fittings, rusty water from only some taps, and repair clamps scattered along lines in the crawl space. The fact sheet has no year-built breakdown for Conifer, so the age of your own home and its additions is the best guide. Older cabins that were expanded over the years often have pipe from several eras.

Who issues the permit?

Conifer is unincorporated, so plumbing permits come from Jefferson County Building Safety through its online portal. The plumber normally files the application and arranges the inspection. Because so many Conifer homes are on wells, mention any recent pump or well work as well; the county recommends retesting the water after pump or well work, and it can be convenient to do that around the time of a repipe.

A cold-weather note

At Conifer's elevation, freezing nights last well into spring. Supply lines in exterior walls, crawl spaces and attached garages are the most exposed. A repipe is a good chance to move lines into warmer spaces and add insulation where they have to stay.