Spartan Plumbing, a local plumbing company serving Northglenn and surrounding communities, is urging homeowners to secure their outdoor waterlines after a spike in backflow valve thefts. The issue gained media attention when Northglenn police warned residents to lock up service lines, and Spartan Plumbing was featured in a Denver7 news segment discussing the impact on homeowners.
Master Plumber Wayne Lehmann explained that thieves 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,” Lehmann said. “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. Spartan Plumbing advises following police recommendations: place backflow preventers in well-lit, visible areas and use protective enclosures or locks. Homeowners should also know the location of their main water shut-off valve to stop water flow immediately if a device is cut.
The theft trend extends beyond Northglenn. Law enforcement agencies across the Denver metro area have issued similar warnings about suspects stealing sprinkler system backflow prevention valves. For those already targeted, Spartan Plumbing emphasizes that repair requires more than attaching a new valve. Their emergency team assesses pipe damage, ensures code compliance, and tests the system to protect drinking water from contamination.
“When a thief cuts a line, they don't care about the damage they leave behind,” said co-owner Sammy Carr. “Our priority is getting the water shut off, stabilizing the property, and installing a secure, compliant replacement system.” The company, owned by Joshua Osborne and Sammy Carr, operates as a Veteran Owned and Family Owned business serving Northglenn, Arvada, Denver, and the Front Range.
Spartan Plumbing encourages regular inspection of outdoor plumbing, installation of protective cages over exposed valves, and immediate contact with a licensed plumber if a leak, drop in water pressure, or missing backflow device is noticed. For more information on securing outdoor plumbing or to request emergency repair, homeowners can contact Spartan Plumbing online or call 303-529-8501.
