Contacts by question
| Question | Usually answered by |
|---|---|
| Is the public main blocked? | The water and sanitation provider on your bill |
| Where does my responsibility for the lateral end? | The same provider's service line rules |
| Do I need a permit to repair my lateral or rebuild? | The city building division for addresses in city limits |
| Who handles septic on unincorporated land nearby? | The county public health agency |
| Is my rental unit habitable after a backup? | Your lease and Colorado tenant resources |
Two very different housing stocks
The southern and central parts of Commerce City include older single-family homes from the mid-twentieth century, often small ranches on modest lots, near rail lines, highways and industrial areas. Many have basements or partial basements with floor drains, and laterals that have seen decades of use. Root intrusion, offset joints and corroded cast iron are all possible, and a camera inspection is the best way to know.
The northern part of the city, toward E-470, has grown rapidly with master-planned subdivisions, many with HOAs and newer plastic sewer lines. Backups there tend to come from household clogs or shared lines in attached homes rather than aging pipe. If you live in a newer townhome, read the association documents for who maintains the building drain.
First day after a backup
- Right away
- Stop water use, keep people away, power off to the area from a dry location if safe.
- Within the hour
- Ask neighbors if they are affected; call the provider on your bill if so, or a plumber if not.
- Once flow is restored
- Photograph everything and call your insurer.
- Same day
- Start Category 3 cleanup with a contractor you have vetted.
Renters in Commerce City
- Tell the landlord in writing with photos and the time
- Photograph your own belongings before anything is moved
- Call your renters insurer about sewer backup coverage
- Ask when the space will be cleaned, dried and safe to use
Worth knowing before you need it
- Provider emergency number
- Printed on the bill or the provider's website; save it in your phone
- Cleanout location
- Older homes may only have an inside cleanout near where the line leaves the basement
- HOA contact
- For newer attached homes, the management company's after-hours line
- Policy check
- Whether your homeowners or renters policy includes sewer backup coverage
General information for Thornton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.