Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Colorado Springs, CO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber in Colorado Springs

Hiring an experienced plumber to install water-conserving devices and fix leaks on time in your home can reduce your annual water consumption by over 6,200 gallons. As such, whether it's to upgrade your home's plumbing system, repair parts of this system, or carry out normal maintenance procedures, it is necessary to make sure that the plumber you hire is qualified for the task. You can find good plumbers in Colorado Springs through referrals from work colleagues, building professionals, family members, and friends. However, before hiring any plumber near you, you should consider asking the following questions:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Colorado Springs?

Plumbers in Colorado Springs are required to obtain a license from the State Plumbing Board of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies before performing plumbing-related activities in the city. Making sure that you only employ duly licensed plumbers ensures that you get good quality plumbing work that is compliant with applicable regulatory requirements and acceptable standards. Plumbers performing work without a license is considered an unlawful act under Colorado Revised Statutes 12-58-116, and individuals involved in this activity may be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from:

  • A minimum of three months to a maximum sentence of twelve months in jail or
  • A fine of anywhere between $250 and $1,000

The subsequent offense of a plumber working without a license after an initial charge is regarded as a class 6 felony, and this is punishable by fines of anywhere between $1,000 to $100,000 and jail time of 12 to 18 months.

The State Plumbing Board of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies grants licenses to journeyman plumbers, residential plumbers, and master plumbers who meet its requirements. These requirements vary depending on the specific type of license that is being sought, but they include having a minimum number of practical plumbing experience and scoring no lower than 75% in the appropriate department-administered plumbing license examination. Note that community college, academic plumbing training, trade school plumbing programs, and military plumbing training can be offered as part of the required years of practical experience or as credit toward it.

You can use the license look-up portal on the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website to verify the license of a plumber you intend to hire. Hiring a non-licensed plumber violates the Pikes Peak Regional Plumbing Code and will lead to penalties to homeowners ranging from $150 for a first-time offense to $2,000 per day by the third offense. These penalties vary in magnitude depending on whether the hired plumber is a previously licensed residential plumber, journeyman plumber, or master plumber with a currently expired license.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Colorado Springs?

Plumbers in Colorado Springs charge clients based on multiple factors, such as the type of service needed and the complexity of this service. Fees will also be influenced by the cost of parts and materials that this service may need. Requesting multiple quotes from different plumbers before selecting one is an effective way to get a fair rate for your required service and also avoid fraudulent plumbers.

Plumber in Colorado Springs earns an annual average wage of $51,540. Below is a breakdown of the Average hourly wages for plumbers in Colorado Springs compared with plumbers in other parts of Colorado and other major cities in the country:

Colorado Springs Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$24.78
Colorado State Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$27.14
Seattle Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$39.45
Austin Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$25.23
Chicago Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$44.20
Los Angeles Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$29.04
Houston Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$26.71
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Comply with the Colorado Springs Building Code for Plumbing?

The Pikes Peak Regional Building Code sets the standards for the alteration, repair, and inspection of plumbing fixtures, systems, fittings, and appliances throughout Colorado Springs. The code provides the standards and requirements for plumbing work done on storm drainage, sprinkler systems, fittings and faucets, fixtures, vents, sanitary drainage, water heaters, and water distribution systems in the city. When searching for plumbers near you, it is advisable to opt for one that is conversant with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code. This way, you can get quality work done on your project while also ensuring that this work complies with all applicable provisions of the code.

For inquiries on the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code and its requirements, contact the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department office in Colorado Springs via phone number (714) 327-2880.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Colorado Springs Code?

A permit is typically required before all types of plumbing work or projects can start in Colorado Springs. However, exemptions may be made for plumbing works termed as minor repairs. Note that these minor repairs can only include work deemed by the Pikes Peak Chief Building Official as not capable of affecting public health, such as the following:

  • Clearing of waste or drain water stoppages
  • Repair of leaks in valves, working parts of a plumbing fixture, and leaks in fittings and faucets, as long as the work is done by a licensed plumber
  • Installation of a new countertop, including the removal and installation of a kitchen sink, as long as there are no replacements of valves and pipes
  • Work on done on a floor, such as the removal and reinstallation of water closets, as long as there is no replacement of valves or pipes

The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department provides permits for all types of plumbing work in Colorado Springs, and you can apply for a permit using its online permit portal. Note that the creation of a free account is required to use this permit portal. Plumbing plans usually have to be submitted with all permit requests, and projects will be subjected to a plan review before a permit is granted. However, some plumbing-related projects, like water heater replacement, do not require a plan review. You can direct any permit-related inquiries that you may have to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department via phone number (719) 327-2880 or in person at:

2880 International Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80910

Note that inspections are required throughout the progression of all permitted plumbing work in Colorado Springs by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. The specific types of inspections that are required are dependent on the nature of the plumbing work that is being done. You can contact the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at (719) 327-2880 to make inquiries on inspection requirements for plumbing work done in Colorado Springs.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in Colorado Springs provide different services for residential and commercial property. These services include emergency repairs, scheduled maintenance of installed plumbing systems, repair of already installed plumbing systems, and new installations. Before hiring the services of a plumber near you, it is essential to find out their area of specialization to ensure that their skill set is adequate for the particular type of plumbing needs that your project or work may require.

Typical rates charged by plumbers in Colorado Springs for plumbing services include:

Fuel tank installation for 500-gallon underground tank
$2,004 -$2,484
Fuel tank removal for 500-gallon underground tank
$1,527 - $1,690
Water softener installation
$901 - $1,208
Well pump installation up to 25 feet deep
$664 - $788
Toilet installation or replacement
$94
Pipe, faucets, and fixtures installation or repair
$94
Residential plumbing contractors per hour
$79 - $84
Commercial plumbing contractors per hour
$86 - $92
Plumbing for home addition or home remodeling
$94
Clearing of drain clog or blockage
$117 - $ 217
Bathtub installation
$1670 - $2,042
Video inspection of drain line
$226 - $258
Installation of gas line
$27 - $39
Septic tank installation (1000-gallon)
$3,500 - $6,250
Septic tank pumping or cleaning (1000-gallon)
$238 - $280

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Colorado Springs?

Plumbing problems are usually unpredictable, and when you face issues such as overflowing toilets or burst pipes, you may need to call the services of a plumber close to you to fix them promptly. With the average household leaking about 10,000 gallons of water annually and given that residents of Colorado Springs pay a water charge of $4.56 per 748 gallons, it is essential to pay attention to water leaks.

In addition to the aforementioned plumbing issues, other plumbing problems that typically require a quick response include broken water heaters, sewer backups, burst pipes, overflowing toilets, clogged drains, and wastewater overflow. When fixing these problems, it is important to ascertain that the plumber you select to do the work has the right experience and tools to handle the emergency. You can find plumbers proficient in emergency repairs near you by utilizing online resources like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, or Google Review.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Colorado Springs?

In 2019, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 33 fatalities involving plumbers. Considering the risks and hazards involved in plumbing, which include slips, falls, and exposure to dangerous chemicals and microorganisms, hiring a plumber with general liability insurance is crucial, as it gives you financial cover in the event of unforeseen work-related injuries and damages.

Section 201.7 of the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code mandates plumbing contractors in Colorado Springs to carry a general liability insurance policy with a combined single limit of $500,000. This policy includes up to $300,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage. Before hiring the services of a plumber in Colorado Springs, always ensure that they carry the required insurance coverage and confirm the validity of this insurance coverage from the issuing organizations.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Plumber in Colorado Springs

In August 2021, it was reported that a Colorado Springs homeowner was made to deposit $10,000 for home improvement work, only to be presented with shoddy workmanship. Scammers posing as legitimate plumbers or contractors often try to defraud unsuspecting homeowners in the city, so you should always be on the lookout for possible scams when searching for plumbers near you. Some of the methods used by these scammers to defraud unsuspecting homeowners include:

  • Insisting on cash payments and requesting complete or a sizable upfront payment
  • Performing a plumbing installation poorly on purpose
  • Offering deceptively low rates or one-time deals for projects to get you to retain their services
  • Trying to convince homeowners that written estimates or contracts are unnecessary

To avoid falling for these scams, you should consider the following tips:

  • Schedule the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department's final inspection of your project before completing your payment with the plumber
  • Make payments only in installments during the course of your project, with the final payment to be made at the completion of the project.
  • Ensure that a signed contract is provided for your project and that details like payment schedules, expected quality of work, type of materials to be used, and and estimated date of completion are included in this contract.
  • Look up plumbers on platforms like the Better Business Bureau to get reviews and testimonials on the quality of their work and their professionalism.
  • Use the license-checking tools of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies State Plumbing Board to verify the authenticity of a plumber's license before hiring them.
  • Always request competitive bids from at least three other plumbers before selecting one of them to start your work.
  • Always resist any attempt to push you to make a quick decision while negotiating with a plumber on your project.
  • Always decline any offers from random plumbers offering to inspect your home for plumbing issues that need immediate fixing, even when you may have a plumbing emergency.
  • Be cautious of plumbers that have out-of-state vehicle tags
  • Avoid cash payments

You can report Colorado Spring plumbing scams either by calling the Consumer Protection Section of the Colorado Attorney General's Office at (720) 508-6000 or by completing an online form. If you seek monetary compensation not exceeding $7,500, you can also hire an attorney and file a small claims court case at the El Paso County Combined Courts located at:

270 South Tejon Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903