Gas Line Services in Longmont, CO

Does every gas change in Longmont need a permit?

Essentially, yes. City of Longmont Building Services, at the Development Services Center on Kimbark Street, says a permit is required for any change to gas, plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems, and water heaters are listed among the work that needs one. Adding a branch for a gas range, moving a dryer line, replacing a leaking section or swapping a water heater all fall under that rule. The plumber normally applies and schedules the inspection.

How does the age of a Longmont home affect gas work?

Longmont was founded in 1871 by the Chicago-Colorado Colony, but most of its homes are much newer. Census survey figures put the median build year at 1991, with about 37% of homes built before 1980. Homes near downtown Main Street and the older central neighborhoods are where iron gas pipe that has been tapped and extended over decades is most likely. Newer neighborhoods such as Prospect New Town usually have flexible tubing, which needs a bonding connection to the electrical grounding. In either case, adding an appliance means checking that the line can carry the extra load.

What about tankless water heaters?

They are a common reason for gas line work. A tankless unit can draw several times the gas of a tank heater at full fire, and many existing lines were sized for a tank. The plumber totals the home's appliances against pipe size and length, and runs a larger line from the meter if needed. Venting usually changes too. Because Longmont permits water heaters and gas changes, the conversion will be inspected.

A local note

The city's guidance on gas is simple: for any gas emergency or odor, contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999 immediately. Get everyone out of the house before you call. For planned work, late summer is the easiest time to schedule, before furnaces start running every night.

Homes along St. Vrain Creek and the older central neighborhoods are worth a closer look before a remodel or appliance upgrade, since piping there may have been changed several times. In newer areas, the most common issue is a line that was sized only for the builder's original appliances. Either way, ask for the pressure test record and permit number when the work is finished; they are handy for future projects and for a sale.