Plumbing advice for Fort Collins homeowners
Short, practical guides written by the licensed technicians at Fix Plumbing Fort Collins. Every article answers the question up front, then explains what to do next.
How to Tell If You Have a Slab Leak
You likely have a slab leak if your water bill jumps with no change in usage, you hear water running when every fixture is off, or a section of your floor feels warm or damp. Shut off every fixture and watch the water meter. If the dial still moves, water is escaping somewhere, and under-slab supply lines are the most common hidden culprit in Fort Collins homes.
How Much Does a Water Heater Replacement Cost in Fort Collins?
In Fort Collins, a standard 40-50 gallon gas or electric tank water heater typically costs $1,400 to $2,600 installed, and a tankless unit runs $3,500 to $6,000 installed. The spread comes down to fuel type, venting, code upgrades and whether your existing gas line and electrical can support the new unit.
Why Do My Pipes Freeze in Fort Collins Winters, and How Do I Prevent It?
Pipes freeze in Fort Collins because uninsulated water lines running through crawlspaces, garages, attics and exterior walls lose heat fast once outdoor temperatures drop below about 20F, especially during our overnight wind-driven cold snaps. Prevent it by insulating those runs, disconnecting garden hoses before the first freeze, keeping the thermostat at 55F or higher, and letting a pencil-thin trickle run on the coldest nights.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater: Which Is Right for a Fort Collins Home?
Choose tankless if you plan to stay in your Fort Collins home more than about seven years and want endless hot water, a 20-30% lower gas bill and an 18-20 year lifespan. Choose a tank if you want the lowest upfront cost, need lots of hot water at once across multiple bathrooms, or are replacing on short notice.
Signs You Need Sewer Line Repair
You likely need sewer line repair, not just a drain cleaning, when several fixtures back up at once, toilets gurgle when you run the washing machine, or sewage smells and soggy patches appear in the yard. A single slow sink is a local clog; problems that show up across multiple fixtures point to the main line between your home and the city sewer.