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1. I received a blue door tag. What does that mean?

Castle Rock Water electronically reads your water meter each month. When a problem occurs, you will receive a blue door tag explaining the need to set an appointment to inspect the transponder on your meter. An appointment is required for scheduling and safety purposes for all parties. The meter technician will not come into your home without an appointment.

2. What can I expect during an appointment from Castle Rock Water?

When the meter technician comes for the exact time appointment, for your safety, please ensure:
1) their vehicle is clearly marked with the Town of Castle Rock logo
2) the tech is wearing a Town of Castle Rock shirt
3) the tech has a picture ID badge

For our technicians’ safety, please ensure:
1) all pets are secured
2) an adult (18 or older) is present in the home
3) the meter is easily accessible

3. Whose responsibility are the water lines in my home?

The Town owns and maintains all water service lines throughout the Town and to the point of connection at your property line. Your property will have a meter pit or curb stop with a valve and is the property of the Town. Lines from this valve into your home as well as all of the lines in your home, including sewer, are the homeowner’s property and responsibility.

Keep in mind, even though your water meter may be located within your property, it belongs to the Town. Tampering or damage to the meter is prohibited and reasonable access to this meter is required. (Municipal Code 13.12.050)

4. How do I turn off water in the event of a water emergency?

Should you need to turn off the water coming into your home (i.e. for a frozen pipe break), turn off your water at your water shut-off valve. This is usually located near your meter (on the meter tree) in your basement or crawl space on the wall closest to the street.

Do not shut your water off at the street (this valve is the property of the Town and should not be tampered with.) Especially during cold weather, do not remove the lid for the meter pit as it will allow the warm air to escape and colder air in, potentially causing additional problems.

If you need an emergency shut-off at the curb stop or meter pit, call 720-733-6000 during standard business hours or Castle Rock Police at 303-663-6100 after business hours.

5. How do I avoid frozen pipes?

Cold weather can result in frozen pipes. Here are few tips for when temperatures drop below freezing:

• Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall of the house. This small amount of water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks near exterior walls.
• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees.
• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl space and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Insulation, heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can help.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located (e.g. electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes).
• Disconnect garden hoses.

If your water pipes are frozen, or if there is only a trickle, try some of the helpful tips listed below before calling a plumber:

• Locate where the water comes into your home - basement, crawl space or garage. Is there heat to that area? Is the vent to your water closet (where your water heater is located) open?
• Open a faucet, let a trickle run. If there is no water at all, leave the faucet open, but make sure the drains are clear.
• Open your cabinet doors to let heat in on your pipes. A small space heater can help.
• Run a hair dryer on your pipe so heat can dispense through your plumbing system.

If you are completely out of water after trying these steps, call us at 720-733-6000.