Commercial Plumbing in Highlands Ranch, CO

How the call works

You'll reach an independent local plumber who does commercial work in Highlands Ranch. Describe the property, whether it's a restaurant, a medical or dental office, a retail unit or a common-area building, and say what's happening and whether the water is off. Ask early about doing the work outside business hours if closing isn't an option.

For larger work, the plumber will explain what permits apply. Highlands Ranch is not a city, so permits go through Douglas County, and the Highlands Ranch Metro District says its own project approval comes before the county issues building permits. That can add a step to a remodel or a new fixture layout.

What adds to the cost

• The number of fixtures, restrooms or tenant spaces involved
• Tracing a leak or blockage before it can be fixed
• Repairs or replacement of a backflow device that fails its annual test
• Work in finished ceilings, chases or slab floors
• County permits, metro district approval and inspections

Local conditions in Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch Water, which runs through the Centennial Water and Sanitation District website, covers every property in Highlands Ranch and Solstice. Most of its supply is surface water from the South Platte, Plum Creek and Dad Clark Gulch, held in reservoirs including McLellan and Chatfield and treated at the Joseph B. Blake plant, with wells mainly as backup. It uses chloramine in the distribution system. Wastewater goes to the Marcy Gulch plant. The district reports no lead service lines.

The district owns meters and maintains the service line from the main through the curb stop, or to the property line if there's no curb stop. From there through the building, the line is the customer's. During a private plumbing emergency, the district will help shut off water at the curb stop; its 24-hour line is 303-791-2185. For sewer trouble, it suggests calling a plumber first to check the private service line.

Commercial backflow is handled differently here than in most cities. All commercial devices, whether domestic, fire or irrigation, must be tested once a year, and the district hires a certified tester to do it and adds the fee to the water bill. A failed device that can't easily be repaired is replaced at the customer's cost. The community took shape from the 1980s on, so most commercial buildings are newer than in older suburbs.

Quick checklist

• Know where the curb stop and building shutoff are
• Have your latest water bill handy for the account details
• Clear access to the water heater, cleanouts and backflow device
• Check whether your landlord or HOA must approve the work