Jefferson County · Denver–Aurora–Centennial metro
Plumbing help in Lakewood, CO
Older PipesFrozen Pipes
Lakewood's housing is older than most Denver suburbs: the median home dates to 1979 and about half predate 1980. Freeze-thaw winters, original galvanized and copper supply lines, and sewer laterals under mature trees shape the city's plumbing work, and permitted jobs follow the 2021 International Plumbing Code.
- Median home built
- 1979
- Built before 1980
- 52%
- Owner-occupied
- 57%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- IPC
The plumbing calls that come up most in Lakewood
- Frozen Pipe Repair
Long Front Range cold snaps freeze pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls.
- Repiping
Homes from the 1950s to 70s often still have galvanized supply lines with falling pressure.
- Sewer Camera Inspection
Clay and cast iron laterals under mature trees crack and collect roots.
Emergency plumbing in Lakewood
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 Lakewood homes, based on local conditions.
Lakewood's 1970s housing and its pipes
The median home in Lakewood was built in 1979, and 52% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper supply, early plastic (ABS or PVC) drains, some cast iron.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Frozen pipe risk in Lakewood
Regular hard freezes · 52% of Lakewood homes were built before 1980
Plumbing code and permits in Lakewood
For permit applications made after July 1, 2023, Lakewood enforces the 2021 International Plumbing Code with local amendments. [1]
Plumbing services for Lakewood homes
Lakewood plumbing questions
Which plumbing code does Lakewood use?
For applications after July 1, 2023, the 2021 International Plumbing Code with Lakewood amendments.
How do I prevent frozen pipes in a Lakewood home?
Disconnect hoses, insulate pipes in unheated spaces and keep the heat steady during cold snaps. See how to winterize plumbing.
Is galvanized pipe common in Lakewood?
In homes built before about 1960, yes. Rusty water and falling pressure are the usual signs it's failing.
Should I scope the sewer line on an older Lakewood home?
Yes. Homes from before 1980 often have clay or cast iron laterals that roots and ground movement have damaged.
Sources (2)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Lakewood, Permit Process Assistance Handout (2021 codes) · checked 2026-10-02