Here in Colorado, we enjoy gorgeous mountains, clean alpine air, and a way of life that’s the envy of the nation. While most residences are located in these beautiful landscapes, there is a set of rules that govern living 5,000 feet and more above sea level. This goes for things that are out of the visible eye such as the pipes hidden under floors or behind walls.
The thin, dry air that makes hiking a great adventure is the same one that affects the water behavior in our pipes. Standard plumbing solutions usually fall short in these scenarios. It’s for this reason that you need to have a good understanding regarding various high-altitude challenges. This article looks at exactly that.
Why Water Acts Differently Up Here
The cause of the issue boils down to a single scientific fact, that air pressure decreases the higher you are. It sounds like something you would read in a book, but it has a rather tangible influence on your day-to-day activities.
Plumbing Services In Colorado
For example, boiling water for a morning coffee boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit at sea level. However, in Denver, it boils at about 202 degrees Fahrenheit at 5,280 feet. The same case is different in Breckenridge where you will see the water bubbling at 198 degrees Fahrenheit at 9,600 feet. This lower boiling point is what pushes the need to understand the plumbing quirks.
It doesn’t need to get that hot in your heater until the water boils and becomes steam. Due to this, air pockets form inside the pipes, which create banging. The life and efficiency of the water heater may also be impacted because it must operate under special conditions.
Cold and UV Exposure
Colorado weather is famously unpredictable. We get freezes that will shatter solid rock, then sunshine bathing us in its warmth. This is a messed up combination for your plumbing. Most lines in mountain residences run through uninsulated crawl spaces or along the exterior walls.
With no top-of-the-line insulation, these lines are extremely prone to freezing. A typical pipe wrap will not be enough when the heat falls. Also, where well systems are in houses, their parts tend to be outdoors. That leaves them not only exposed to freezing air but to the blistering ultraviolet radiation of the sun. This, in turn, destroys plastic fittings and parts much faster than anywhere else.
Materials and Installation Matter
Because of these environmental stresses, material choice is critical. It’s recommended that you install PEX piping. The reason behind this is that it’s quite flexible. Therefore, it’s resistant to cracks if water inside the pipe freezes. It also withstands expansion and contraction from temperature changes more so than rigid copper or CPVC pipe. Consequently, it is less prone to rupture.
But the right material is only half the battle. Proper installation is the most important factor. Drains require a steeper slope so that waste and water flow downhill properly, as gravity is your system’s best friend. Vents must be well-designed to permit sewer gases to vent properly and water to drain freely without gurgling or siphoning from traps.
Your Water Heater’s New Setting
If you have found that your hot water simply doesn’t last as long as you would like, altitude could be the culprit. To compensate for the lower boiling point and prevent your water from becoming too hot, the temperature setting on the water heater must be lowered. The issue is that this will make you use more hot water to achieve the same effect, which makes the tank feel smaller.
The solution is not as easy as just turning the dial on. It is a balancing act and sometimes an alternative approach, like installing a mixing valve to safely deliver the proper temperature or investigating a tankless system that has on-demand hot water.
Colorado is an amazing place to set up your dream home. However, doing this comes with its own set of challenges. One big problem that you will have to deal with occasionally is related to plumbing. You will have to manage fluctuating water pressure, lower boiling points, and freezing risks.
The only way to fix these shortcomings is to partner with the right professionals. At Bear Creek Plumbing, we don’t just visit problems in these mountains; we live and work here. We are aware that the requirements of your home will be different from those of your neighbor. Our objective is to create solutions that are long-lasting, elevation-appropriate, and tailored to maintain the functionality of your Colorado home so you may resume enjoying your stay.
