Commercial Plumbing in Erie, CO

Erie's system

Erie owns its water system, which the water quality report says serves about 13,228 taps. Most of the water is Colorado-Big Thompson supply piped from Carter Lake, along with the Northern Colorado Pipeline, Erie Lake, Thomas Reservoir, Gross Reservoir and the South Boulder County Ditch, all treated with chlorine at the Lynn R. Morgan facility in town. Sewer and storm drainage are billed by the town alongside water. Erie keeps a service line inventory as state and federal rules require, and copies are available from the water division.

The town sits on the Boulder-Weld county line and has grown fast from its coal-mining roots, so commercial buildings range from older structures in Old Town to newer centers. Gas here is Black Hills Energy, not Xcel.

For commercial and multifamily projects, the town's cross-connection program requires backflow prevention device test reports before a certificate of occupancy is issued. The pages reviewed don't spell out a yearly retest schedule, so ask the water division what applies after opening. Permits go through the Building Division at 645 Holbrook Street, 303-926-2780; the town's plumbing permit subtypes include water line repair and sewer line repair.

Comparing common jobs

Signs to call

• Drains in a cafe, salon or clinic that slow down every week
• Toilets and urinals that keep running
• Damp drywall behind a restroom or break room
• Hot water that fades during busy hours
• Sewer odor near a floor drain

Seasonal notes

Erie's open, windy setting on the plains means cold air reaches exposed pipes quickly. Before winter, drain outdoor spigots and irrigation, insulate piping in unheated rooms and keep heat on in vacant suites. In spring, restart irrigation slowly and check backflow devices for freeze damage. Tenant finishes and remodels go smoother when permit review is booked early, and a new space should have its backflow test report in hand well before the occupancy inspection.