Spartan Plumbing, a local plumbing company serving Northglenn and the Denver metro area, is urging homeowners to secure their exposed waterlines after a recent spike in backflow valve thefts. The issue gained local attention when Northglenn police warned residents to lock up their service lines following multiple thefts this year. Spartan Plumbing was featured in a Denver7 news segment discussing the impact on homeowners.
Master Plumber Wayne Lehmann, who leads the company alongside owners Joshua Osborne and Sammy Carr, explained that criminals target exposed backflow valves for their brass and copper components, which can be quickly 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," said Lehmann. "It creates an immediate plumbing emergency that can flood a property, disrupt water service, and leave the homeowner responsible for a sudden, expensive repair." Homeowners searching for a plumber in Northglenn, CO are increasingly looking for ways to secure their systems before a theft occurs.
Spartan Plumbing advises residents to follow local police recommendations: place backflow preventers in well-lit, visible areas and use protective enclosures or locks designed to deter tampering. The company also stresses that homeowners should know the location of their main water shut-off valve to stop water flow immediately if a theft occurs. The theft trend is not limited to Northglenn; law enforcement agencies across the Denver metro area have issued similar warnings about suspects targeting sprinkler system backflow prevention valves.
For residents who have already been victimized, Spartan Plumbing notes that repair requires more than simply attaching a new valve. The emergency plumbing team must assess damage to remaining pipes, ensure the new installation meets local codes, and test the system to confirm that drinking water remains protected 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, provides immediate diagnosis, transparent estimates, and efficient repair using high-quality parts. The company encourages Northglenn residents to inspect outdoor plumbing regularly, consider installing protective cages over exposed valves, and contact a licensed plumber immediately if they discover a leak, a drop in water pressure, or a missing backflow device. For more information on securing outdoor plumbing or to request emergency repair service, homeowners can visit Spartan Plumbing's website or call 303-529-8501.
