Shower Valve Repair in Longmont, CO

Longmont's water is soft, so shower valve trouble here is usually plain wear: a cartridge or seal set that no longer seals or balances pressure. A plumber can typically replace those through the trim; a cracked or obsolete valve calls for replacement, which needs a city permit. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Longmont.

Why is my Longmont shower dripping if the water is soft?

Because the parts that seal a shower valve wear out regardless of water chemistry. Longmont's water quality report describes the city's water as soft, typically 1 to 2 grains per gallon, roughly 19 to 25 ppm total hardness, and the city disinfects with chlorine. That means heavy scale on cartridges is uncommon here. Instead, rubber seals and O-rings simply harden and wear with years of daily use. In a single-lever valve the fix is usually a new cartridge; in an older two-handle valve, new washers and seats. Either is normally done from the front of the wall without disturbing tile.

What valve is likely in my Longmont home?

Longmont was founded in 1871, and its housing spans more than a century, but most of it is relatively recent. Census survey figures show a median build year of 1991, with about 37% of homes built before 1980. Houses near the revived downtown Main Street are the most likely to have two-handle compression valves or early single-lever models. Newer neighborhoods such as Prospect New Town usually have pressure-balancing valves with readily available parts. Knowing the valve type up front helps the plumber bring the right parts.

Does a shower valve replacement need a permit in Longmont?

The City of Longmont requires a permit for any changes to plumbing systems, issued by Building Services at the Development Services Center on Kimbark Street, (303) 651-8332. Swapping a worn cartridge is generally maintenance. Replacing the valve body and reconnecting its piping is a change to the plumbing system, so expect that to need a permit and inspection. The plumber can tell you which side of the line your repair falls on. If a remodel is already planned, that is the most sensible time to replace an aging valve, because the wall will be open anyway and the permit can cover both jobs at once.

Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Longmont.

(303) 529-9880

Local note

If the shower won't shut off and the house valve fails, Longmont Water Utilities is at (303) 651-8416 on weekdays from 8 to 5; after hours the city directs callers to Longmont Public Safety Dispatch.

Shower Valve Repair questions in Longmont

What keeps a shower dripping after the handle is turned off?

Worn seals rather than scale. Longmont's water is soft, about 1 to 2 grains per gallon, so the usual cause is a tired cartridge or washer that a plumber replaces through the trim.

Is a permit needed to replace a shower valve here?

Longmont requires a permit for any changes to plumbing systems. A cartridge swap is usually maintenance; replacing the valve body generally needs a permit from Building Services.

Our house is decades old. What kind of shower valve is likely behind the trim?

Longmont's median home was built in 1991. Older houses near Main Street may have compression valves; newer areas like Prospect New Town mostly have pressure-balancing valves.

The shower never gets fully hot anymore. Is that the valve or the water heater?

Check a sink tap on hot. If it's fully hot and only the shower is lukewarm, the valve's limit stop or cartridge is the likely cause.