State plumbing guide · CO
Plumbing in Colorado
Colorado is one of the states with a single statewide plumbing code, adopted by its State Plumbing Board. Front Range homes deal with freeze-thaw cycles, expansive soils in places, and water whose hardness depends on which mountain system supplies it.
- Median home built
- 1989
- Built before 1980
- 38%
- Owner-occupied
- 66%
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- General statewide rating
- Plumbing code
- IPC
- City guides
- 7
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034).
Colorado city plumbing guides
How to check a plumber's license in Colorado
Plumbers in Colorado are licensed at the state level (residential, journeyworker and master plumber) by the State Plumbing Board in the Department of Regulatory Agencies, which offers an online license lookup. [1]
What shapes plumbing in Colorado
Denver Water's supply comes from two collection systems: the southern system's water is moderately hard, and the northern system's is somewhat soft. [3]
Which plumbing code applies in Colorado
Colorado adopted the 2021 Colorado Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes statewide. They incorporate the 2021 International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and the plumbing provisions of the International Residential Code. [2]
Seasonal problems to plan for in Colorado
- Winter
- Frequent freeze-thaw cycles and cold snaps. Protect exposed pipe, and disconnect hoses so frost-free sillcocks can drain.
- Spring
- Sprinkler systems are turned back on, and backflow devices and lines damaged over winter often show up. See backflow testing.
How old Colorado's homes are
Statewide, the median home was built in 1989 and 38% of homes predate 1980. Homes like that were usually built with copper or CPVC supply, plastic drains, and in some homes gray polybutylene supply pipe. The city guides below show how much that varies within the state.
Regions of Colorado
Front Range
Denver metro: freeze-thaw winters, mountain snowmelt water supply, a mix of 1950s–1970s and new housing.
Colorado plumbing questions
Does Colorado have a statewide plumbing code?
Yes. Colorado's State Plumbing Board adopts the plumbing and fuel gas codes statewide; the current codes are based on the 2021 IPC, IFGC and IRC plumbing provisions.
When should Colorado homeowners winterize sprinklers and outdoor faucets?
Before the first hard freeze, typically in fall along the Front Range. Blow out or drain the irrigation system, protect or drain the backflow device, and disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets.
Sources (4)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034) · checked 2026-10-01
- Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board · checked 2026-10-01
- International Code Council, Colorado adopts the latest IPC and IFGC (July 19, 2023) · checked 2026-10-01
- Denver Water, Water Hardness · checked 2026-10-01