Plumbing Services in Aurora, CO: Hiring and Planning

Describe the problem before booking

Tell the plumber which fixture or area needs attention, when you noticed the problem and whether you can use the rest of the plumbing. Send photos of the affected area and any appliance label. For a leak, describe visible water and any fixture shutoff you have used. For a drain problem, say whether one fixture or several are backing up.

Aurora Water explains that a damaged or blocked sewer lateral can cause a backup at the lowest level of a home, including a floor drain, shower, tub or toilet. Request diagnosis of the service line rather than assuming the problem belongs to one fixture. [1]

For planned faucet, toilet or water-heater work, give each contractor the same description. Identify who supplies the equipment, whether you want to retain its location and which finishes need protection. Ask for an arrival window and the expected interruption to water service.

Check credentials and compare written scopes

Colorado’s regulator says that after June 30, 2025, plumbing contractors must display their registration number and the license number of their responsible master plumber on vehicles, billing materials, bid sheets and websites. Request both numbers when reviewing an offer. Ask who will perform the work and request proof of insurance before authorizing the job. [4]

Separate diagnosis from repair authorization. Get the service-call or diagnostic charge, proposed repair, included parts and any emergency surcharge in writing. Ask how the contractor will handle additional damage discovered after opening a wall or inspecting a pipe. Require your approval before the contractor expands the scope.

For a fixture replacement, identify the model and disposal arrangements. For a water heater, ask the contractor to describe the proposed equipment and any changes to connections or venting. For sewer work, request the defect’s location, the proposed repair method and responsibility for restoring disturbed surfaces.

Get evidence before approving sewer replacement

Aurora assigns owners responsibility for plumbing inside the building, the sewer service line from the sewer tap to the address, and the connection tee or saddle at the city main. Owners also bear responsibility for associated street or property damage when their service-line or tap repairs affect those areas. Ask the contractor to account for that restoration in the proposed scope. [1]

Request the sewer-camera video and an explanation of the findings before approving excavation or replacement. Aurora Water offers residents a free review of footage from a plumber or other vendor and consultation about possible next steps. Consider that review when assessing a substantial recommendation after addressing an active backup. [1]

Ask the plumber to distinguish clearing a blockage from repairing a damaged pipe. Keep the footage, written diagnosis and proposed repair together so another contractor can evaluate the same evidence. Confirm whether the quote includes locating the affected section, site access and surface restoration.

Plan permits, inspection access and completion

Ask the contractor to confirm permit requirements for your exact scope with the Building Division and name the permit holder in the agreement. Aurora requires you to provide access to work that needs inspection before anyone covers it. The city also requires applicable plans, permits and inspection records on site at inspection. [3]

For replacement water heaters, a licensed plumbing contractor can request a same-day inspection when the contractor and homeowner need to be present together. Aurora may inspect another day based on staffing and volume. Ask how the contractor will handle that possibility before you commit to a completion date. [3]

Aurora lists 303-739-7420 for inspection questions and requests. Have your permit number, address, unit number if applicable, inspection type and phone number ready. Before closing out the job, request the applicable inspection result, an itemized invoice and written warranty terms. [3]

Use meter information to investigate leaks

Aurora Water customers can view hourly water use and configure continuous-flow alerts through the customer portal. The utility sends an alert after the meter records continuous usage for at least 24 hours. Aurora says this may indicate a leak or a tap, hose bib or valve left on. Customers remain responsible for finding and addressing the cause. [2]

After an alert, inspect indoor fixtures and outdoor water equipment. Aurora provides indoor leak-check and outdoor water-assessment guides, plus assessment sign-up options. For help, the utility lists 303-739-7388. Give the plumber your usage history and observations, and request diagnosis before authorizing a repair. [2]

Aurora determines sewer usage from average December, January and February water use. Review unexplained indoor use before that period. The chart presents the utility’s residential water usage rates per 1,000 gallons, separate from base, sewer and storm-drain charges. Use it as billing context when investigating excess use; obtain a contractor quote for diagnosis and repair. [5]

Aurora residential water usage rates by tier

Choose the next step for your plumbing problem

Your hiring checklist

1. Record the symptoms, affected fixtures and any shutoff you have used.
2. Send photos and equipment labels before the appointment.
3. Request contractor registration and responsible master plumber license numbers.
4. Get diagnostic charges, repair scope and exclusions in writing.
5. Request sewer-camera footage before authorizing major sewer work.
6. Confirm who handles required permits, inspections and access.
7. Agree on approval for extra work and responsibility for restoration.
8. Keep the invoice, warranty, footage and applicable inspection result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aurora repair my sewer lateral?

The property owner maintains and repairs the service line and connection to the city main. Aurora Water maintains city sewer mains and manholes. For a blockage or backup, the city asks you to contact a plumber, report it to Aurora Water and contact your insurer. [1]

Can I get help reviewing a sewer replacement recommendation?

Aurora offers residents a free second opinion based on sewer-camera footage. Request a copy from the plumber and ask Aurora Water how to submit it. Have the contractor explain the defect and proposed repair alongside the video. [1]

Does a continuous-flow alert prove I have a broken pipe?

The alert means your meter recorded continuous usage for at least 24 hours. Aurora says the cause may include a leak or a tap, hose bib or valve left on. Inspect water-using fixtures and equipment before deciding what service to book. [2]

Can I count on a same-day water-heater inspection?

A licensed contractor can request one for a replacement water heater when coordinating homeowner and contractor attendance. Aurora may inspect another day depending on inspection volume and available staff. Ask the contractor to plan access for either outcome. [3]