On January 19, 2021, Denver Water sent out an update on the city’s lead reduction program. We wanted to share key parts of those updates with you so you’re informed on upcoming changes and how they may affect your home and neighborhood.

What is the Denver Water Lead Reduction Program?

Denver Water has spent more than 30 years monitoring lead levels in homes and businesses across Denver metro. The water provider has implemented several initiatives to reduce lead in the water and keep residents safe, including:

• Providing free water quality tests
• Inspecting and replacing known lead service lines
• Extensively documenting the number of lead service lines throughout the city and metropolitan area
• Reimbursing Denver homeowners who paid to have their lead service lines replaced
• Increasing the pH of city water to prevent lead particles from lead pipes from making it into the water

The Denver Water Lead Reduction Program began in March 2020, after approval from the EPA and Department of Public Health and Environment. This initiative aims to remove all lead service lines throughout Denver over the next 15 years.

Denver Water estimates that over 80,000 properties across Denver are located near lead service lines. All affected homeowners will receive an official notification from Denver Water. Part of the notification letter includes a consent form that grants Denver Water permission to carry out the replacement.

Before the work begins, a Denver Water representative will schedule a consultation with you. During this appointment, you’ll agree on a time and date for work to commence. You’ll also receive a free drinking water pitcher with replacement filters.

See recordings of Denver Water’s virtual community meetings

Denver Water recently held a virtual community meeting to let affected homeowners know what to expect. You can view recordings of past meetings anytime here.

To see a map of where construction will take place in 2021, click here.

Frequently asked questions about the lead reduction program

Why is the lead reduction program needed if there’s no lead in the city’s drinking water?

The lead doesn’t come from the water itself, but rather the pipes used to transport it. Those pipes connect to the public mainline and are privately owned by homeowners. Check out this video from Denver Water to learn more about how lead makes its way into drinking water.

How do I know if my home’s plumbing system is connected to a lead service line?

If your home is affected, you’ll receive a letter in the mail from Denver Water. Homes built before 1951 are more likely to have lead service pipes.

Can I have my service line replaced myself?

Absolutely. If you schedule your replacement in 2021, Denver Water will even reimburse part of your expenses as long as the lines are replaced before December 20, 2021.

Can Golden West replace my lead service line?

Yes! We can replace any lead plumbing pipes that connect your home to the public mainline. And we’ll do so with minimal digging and disruption to your daily life. Once the job is done, we’ll clean up after ourselves — it’ll be like we were never there.

Contact us with all your questions about Denver lead plumbing pipes

We’re following the Denver Water Lead Reduction Program closely, and we’re well-equipped to replace your lead service line if you’d like it done sooner. We’re a family-owned business operated by Denver homeowners just like you. When you book a lead service line replacement in Denver with Golden West, you can rest easy knowing we won’t tack any hidden fees or overtime charges onto your bill.

Simply got questions about the lead reduction program? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them as best we can.

What is root intrusion? Root intrusion occurs when tree roots infiltrate plumbing pipes. Tree roots seeking water, heat, and nutrients will grow toward plumbing pipes. Over time, the growing roots put pressure on the pipes, eventually cracking and growing into them.

At first, root intrusion is virtually unnoticeable — at least, until the roots multiply. As the roots continue to grow, they’ll cause major blockages in your home’s plumbing system.

Leaving root intrusion unchecked will eventually weaken your pipes and cause them to collapse, resulting in higher sewer repair costs. Contact a sewer repair specialist near you as soon as you notice major blockages to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible.

Signs of tree root intrusion

You might not notice any signs of plumbing damage when roots first infiltrate your system. Over time, you might notice the following signs. Please note this isn’t a complete list — if you’ve noticed any unusual plumbing issues and suspect that root intrusion is the cause, give us a call today for an inspection.

Unexplained blockages

If your toilet or tub is backed up and you’ve ruled out all other potential causes, you might have a root intrusion issue.

Plunging the toilet more frequently

If you’re pulling out the plunger more often than usual but you haven’t noticed any other changes in your plumbing, root intrusion could be the culprit.

Gurgling drains

Strange sounds coming from your drains could indicate a blockage due to tree root intrusion.

Slow draining

Does it take longer than usual for water to drain from your sinks or tub? A tree root could be blocking water flow through the pipes.

Causes of root intrusion

The obvious cause of root intrusion is roots breaking through and growing into the pipes. But there are more specific, preventable causes. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Tree species

Did you know some trees are more likely to cause root intrusion than others?

Tree species that often cause root intrusion

• Oak
• Fig
• Elm
• Birch
• Maple
• Aspen
• Willow
• Sycamore

Hoping to plant one of these trees in your yard? No need to choose a different species just yet. Consult with one of our plumbing specialists, who can advise you on root length and the best places to plant to minimize the risk of tree root intrusion.

Tree species that are less likely to cause root intrusion

The following species have shorter root systems and are less likely to cause root intrusion in Denver and the surrounding area:

• Cedar
• Cypress
• Juniper
• Myrtle
• Palmetto
• Magnolia
• Dogwood
• Crabapple
• Hornbeam
• Fan palms
• Most fruit trees

Some subspecies of the trees on this list may have roots that spread farther than others. If you’re picking out a new sapling and you’re concerned about root intrusion, ask your local arborist or nursery about root spread.

How to treat root intrusion

The first step in treating root intrusion is to call in a local plumber. It can be tempting to try commercial root killer chemicals first, since these are relatively cost-effective. However, these treat the symptoms of root intrusion, not the cause. If you’re noticing major plumbing issues, chances are the damage is severe and requires professional attention.

Here at Golden West, we use state-of-the-art drain cameras to inspect your drains and find the roots and cracks.

Once we determine the roots’ location, the severity of the damage, and the repairs needed, we’ll get to work. For extensive tree root intrusion, we’ll use a special device to cut and remove the roots from the pipes.

If required, we’ll then replace the damaged section of the pipe. However, the main line will need to be replaced if the damage is severe or if the line is too old for repairs.

Got questions about our Denver rooter services? Give our technicians a call today. We’ll be happy to provide more insight on our process and personalized advice for your needs.

How do I prevent tree root intrusion?

Now that you know the causes and signs of root intrusion and how to treat it, here are a few steps you can take to prevent it.

Know what to plant and where

If you’re planning to plant new trees, do your homework. Learn about the species’ average root length, and choose an area to plant that’s far away from your plumbing system. Keep in mind that some shrubs and smaller plants can also cause root intrusion.

Stunt root growth with chemical agents

Copper sulfate is a top choice for killing troublesome tree roots. When choosing a chemical root killer, read the product information to ensure it won’t harm your tree and will prevent root regrowth.

Set up root barriers

Root barriers effectively fence off the roots from the pipes. You’ll find several types of root barriers on the market.

Woven root traps allow root tips to continue to grow through small holes while preventing the roots from gaining girth, minimizing the risk of damage. Root deflectors are usually made of hardy plastic or metal. Root barriers with added chemicals work well in the short-term, but the chemical agents will lose their potency over time.

Here are a few tips for choosing a root barrier system:

• Opt for a barrier that’s at least 30 inches (2.5 feet) deep. The deeper the barrier, the more control you’ll have over root growth. For maximum protection, choose a barrier that’s 48 inches (4 feet) deep.
• If you’re going for a deflector, choose one that’s at least 15 millimeters thick. The thicker the barrier, the better protection against root intrusion. Root deflectors work better than root traps — they’re easier to install and won’t cause damage to your landscaping.
• If you choose a barrier with an added chemical growth inhibitor, search for one containing cupric carbonate or trifluralin. These compounds stunt root tip growth.

Got questions about tree root intrusion? Contact Golden West, the trusted name in Denver sewer repair

Tree root intrusion is a fairly common problem that can incur major expenses if not diagnosed and treated early. Call Golden West at the first sign of tree root intrusion to minimize damage and save on repair costs.