Spartan Plumbing, a local plumbing company serving the Denver metro area, is warning homeowners in Northglenn to secure their outdoor waterlines after a series of backflow valve thefts. The issue gained attention when Northglenn police reported multiple thefts this year and advised residents to lock service lines. Spartan Plumbing was featured on a Denver7 news segment discussing the impact, available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhLpAovg_-o.
According to Spartan Plumbing Master Plumber Wayne Lehmann, criminals target exposed backflow valves because brass and copper components can be cut with electric saws and sold for scrap. When a valve is stolen, it leaves an open, pressurized water line that can create a geyser, flooding yards and wasting thousands of gallons of water before the main supply is shut off. "A stolen backflow valve is not just a missing piece of hardware," Lehmann said. "It creates an immediate plumbing emergency that can flood a property, disrupt water service to the home, and leave the homeowner responsible for a sudden, expensive repair."
Homeowners searching for a plumber in Northglenn are increasingly looking for ways to secure their systems. Spartan Plumbing advises following police recommendations: place backflow preventers in well-lit, visible areas and use protective enclosures or locks. The company also stresses knowing the location of the main water shut-off valve to stop water flow immediately if a device is cut.
The theft trend is not limited to Northglenn; law enforcement across the Denver metro area has issued similar warnings about suspects stealing sprinkler system backflow prevention valves. For residents already targeted, repair requires more than attaching a new valve. Spartan Plumbing's emergency team must assess pipe damage, ensure code-compliant installation, and test the system to protect drinking water from contamination. "When a thief cuts a line, they do not care about the damage they leave behind," said co-owner Sammy Carr. "Wayne and our team's priority is getting the water shut off, stabilizing the property, and installing a replacement system that is secure and fully compliant with local safety standards."
Spartan Plumbing, a Veteran Owned and Family Owned business, serves Northglenn, Arvada, Denver, and the broader Front Range. The company provides emergency plumbing, leak detection, and water line repair. They encourage residents to inspect outdoor plumbing regularly, consider protective cages over exposed valves, and contact a licensed plumber if they discover a leak, drop in water pressure, or missing backflow device. For more information, visit https://www.spartanplumber.com/ or call 303-529-8501.
