Following a recent string of backflow valve thefts across the Denver metro area, Spartan Plumbing is encouraging Northglenn homeowners to secure their exposed waterlines to prevent thousands of dollars in property damage and wasted water.
The issue recently gained local attention when Northglenn police warned residents to lock up their service lines after reporting multiple backflow valve thefts this year. Spartan Plumbing, which provides emergency plumbing, leak detection, and water line repair throughout Northglenn and the surrounding communities, was featured in a Denver7 news segment discussing the impact of these thefts on local homeowners.
Led by owners Joshua Osborne and Sammy Carr, Spartan Plumbing's Master Plumber Wayne Lehmann says criminals are targeting exposed backflow valves because the brass and copper components can be quickly cut away with electric saws and sold for scrap. When a valve is stolen, it leaves behind an open, pressurized water line that can create a shooting 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 Wayne Lehmann, Master Plumber at Spartan Plumbing. "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 northglenn co are increasingly looking for ways to secure their systems before a theft occurs. Spartan Plumbing advises residents to follow local police recommendations, which include placing backflow preventers in well-lit, visible areas and using protective enclosures or locks designed to deter tampering. The company says homeowners should also know exactly where their main water shut-off valve is located so they can stop the flow of water immediately if their backflow device is cut.
The theft trend is not limited to Northglenn. Law enforcement agencies across the Denver metro area have issued similar warnings about suspects entering residential neighborhoods to steal sprinkler system backflow prevention valves. For residents who have already been targeted, Spartan Plumbing says the repair process requires more than simply attaching a new valve. The company's emergency plumbing team must assess the damage to the remaining pipes, ensure the new installation meets local codes, and properly test the system to confirm that the home's drinking water remains protected from contamination.
"When a thief cuts a line, they do not care about the damage they leave behind," said Sammy Carr, co-owner of Spartan Plumbing. "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's website notes that the company provides immediate diagnosis, transparent estimates, and efficient repair using high-quality parts. The company operates as a Veteran Owned and Family Owned business, serving Northglenn, Arvada, Denver, and the broader Front Range. Spartan Plumbing encourages Northglenn residents to inspect their 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.
