In Lyons, it's time to replace a water heater when the tank leaks, the hot water fades or turns rusty, or an aging unit needs frequent repairs. Building permits inside town are handled by SAFEbuilt on the Town of Lyons' behalf. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Lyons.
Lyons sits where the North and South St. Vrain creeks meet, ringed by red sandstone hills. The Town treats North St. Vrain Creek water at its own plant and runs its own wastewater treatment plant for homes within town limits. Property owners are responsible for the sewer line from their home to the Town main. Water service for 80540 properties outside town limits wasn't verified, so those owners should confirm their own source.
Steps to take right away
- Turn the cold water valve above the heater to off.
- Set the gas control to off, or shut the breaker for an electric unit.
- If you notice a gas odor, leave the house first, then call 911 and Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999 from outside.
- Soak up standing water and move anything stored near the tank.
- Jot down the heater's capacity, fuel type and manufacture date.
- Call for a replacement and ask the plumber to file the permit through SAFEbuilt.
What a symptom usually means
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Leak from the tank shell | Internal corrosion; replacement is the fix |
| Brown-tinted hot water | A worn anode rod or rust inside the tank |
| Crackling as it heats | Sediment sitting on the tank floor |
| Lukewarm water only | A failed element, thermostat or burner part |
| Relief valve discharging | Pressure or temperature too high; have it checked |
Cost factors
- Fuel, size and efficiency of the new heater
- Vent and gas line changes
- Expansion tank, drain pan and relief piping
- Access in older homes and tight utility spaces
- The Town permit, inspection and disposal
The Town contracts SAFEbuilt for all building department work, with permits run through the Community Core online system. The permit technician is at 970-545-3512, inspections are requested at 303-774-0454, and Town Hall at 432 5th Avenue is 303-823-6622. Boulder County has no building code authority inside town limits, so don't file with the county for a Lyons address. Ask each plumber to show the permit, inspection and haul-away as separate lines so quotes are easy to compare, and mention any older venting the plumber should look at before pricing. Lyons winters push colder creek water into the tank, so an aging heater is most likely to fail in the coldest weeks; replacing it in late summer or fall is far easier than an emergency swap.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Lyons
Does a water heater replacement here need a permit, and who issues it?
Who supplies the gas, and what should I do if I smell gas near the heater?
How should I maintain the new tank once it's in?
Can the new heater go in a different location?
More plumbing services in Lyons
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