How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in Colorado

Before you let anyone start work on your pipes, check their license. In Colorado, plumbing work is regulated by the State Plumbing Board, which sits under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). It takes a few minutes and it is the easiest way to avoid a bad hire.

What Colorado Requires

Colorado requires plumbers to hold a state license issued through the State Plumbing Board. The license types are residential plumber, journeyworker plumber, and master plumber. Licensed plumbers must also complete continuing education every year to renew.

How to Check a License

DORA runs a public license lookup on its website. Search by name or license number and check three things: the license is active, the type fits the job, and there is no discipline on record. Ask the plumber for the name and license number, and look it up yourself rather than relying on what you're told. Check that the name on the license matches the person or company on the estimate.

What to Ask for in Writing

• A written scope that says what is being repaired or replaced, with parts and labor listed.
• The price for that scope, in writing, for you to approve before work starts.
• Whether the job needs a permit. In Thornton that is generally the City of Thornton building department, and the plumber should pull it.
• What happens if they find something else once the wall or floor is open.

Warning Signs

Walk away if someone pushes you to decide on the spot, won't give a license number, wants to start before you have a written scope, or recommends replacing something big without explaining what failed. On a suspected sewer problem, a reasonable plumber will look inside the line with a camera before recommending digging. For a water heater repair or a drain cleaning job, the same rule applies: explain the cause, then scope and price.

In an Emergency

A burst pipe or sewage backup makes it tempting to skip checks. Shut the water at the main first, then make calls. A written scope is still worth asking for, and the license lookup takes minutes from your phone. For an active leak, see emergency plumber help.

Need a plumber in Thornton? Call (720) 856-5811, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.