Arapahoe County · Denver–Aurora–Centennial metro
Plumbing help in Centennial, CO
Frozen PipesNewer Homes
Centennial's neighborhoods were mostly built from the 1970s to the 1990s, so original copper supply lines, aging water heaters and polybutylene-era plumbing are common. Winters bring hard freezes, and the city's building division enforces the 2021 International Plumbing Code on permitted work.
- Median home built
- 1984
- Built before 1980
- 41%
- Owner-occupied
- 80%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- IPC
What Centennial homeowners call plumbers about
- Water Heater Replacement
Basement and garage heaters in 1980s and 90s homes are aging out, often on their second or third tank.
- Repiping
Some homes from the late 1970s to mid-1990s have polybutylene supply lines that fail at fittings.
- Frozen Pipe Repair
Cold snaps freeze pipes near garages and exterior walls.
Emergency plumbing in Centennial
Call (833) 878-1592Shut off your main water supply if it's safe to do so. The emergencies below are listed most likely first for Centennial homes, based on local conditions.
Frozen pipe risk in Centennial
Regular hard freezes · median home built 1984
Permits and code in Centennial
Centennial adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code through Ordinance 2023-O-06, alongside the 2021 International Residential and Fuel Gas codes. [1]
Polybutylene-era homes in Centennial
The median home in Centennial was built in 1984, and 41% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or CPVC supply, plastic drains, and in some homes gray polybutylene supply pipe.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Plumbing services for Centennial homes
Centennial plumbing questions
Which plumbing code applies in Centennial?
The 2021 International Plumbing Code, adopted by Ordinance 2023-O-06.
Does my Centennial home have polybutylene pipe?
Homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s may. Look for flexible gray supply pipe near the water heater or main shutoff.
When should I replace a basement water heater in Centennial?
Plan on it as the tank passes about 10 years, and immediately if the tank itself leaks. See water heater leaking.
Who handles permits for plumbing work in Centennial?
The city's Building Division. The licensed plumber normally pulls the permit for jobs like water heater replacement, repiping and sewer work, and the city inspects the work before it's closed out.
Sources (2)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Centennial, Ordinance No. 2023-O-06 · checked 2026-10-02