Fort Collins, CO & Northern Colorado
From a dripping faucet to a full septic system replacement, Star Plumbing Co. LLC handles all plumbing work in Fort Collins. We're local, licensed, and honest about what your job actually needs — no upsells, no runaround, no vague estimates over the phone.
What We Do
We handle the full picture — from routine repairs to complex septic and sewer work. No subcontracting the hard stuff out. Whatever's on this list, you're getting our team, our tools, and our accountability.
New construction or a failing old system — we design, permit, and install septic systems built to last in Northern Colorado's soil conditions. We handle all Larimer County permitting so you don't have to.
Learn more about septic installation →Leaky pipes, fixture upgrades, bathroom remodels, water line repairs, running toilets, low pressure — if it involves pipes and water, we've handled it. Most residential jobs get a same-week visit.
See plumbing services →Slow drains, bad odors, or soggy ground near your tank? We diagnose septic problems on the first visit and give you real options at different price points — not just the most expensive fix.
Septic repair details →Running out of hot water is frustrating. We install tank and tankless water heaters from most major brands, and we repair what can reasonably be repaired. We'll tell you which makes more financial sense.
Water heater services →No pressure, short cycling, or a pump that won't kick on? We service and replace submersible well pumps throughout Fort Collins and the rural areas of Northern Colorado — including Laporte and Red Feather Lakes.
Well pump services →Slow or fully blocked drains, cleaned the right way. We use the right tools for the job — not just a basic snake — so the clog stays gone and doesn't return in two weeks.
Drain cleaning info →Root invasion, collapsed lines, scale buildup, failing main connections — we handle the big stuff. Camera inspection available so you know exactly what's wrong before any digging starts.
Sewer & main line work →Why Star Plumbing
We believe the bar for plumbing companies is honestly pretty low. Most homeowners just want someone who shows up when they say they will, tells the truth about what's wrong, and doesn't make you feel like you're being taken for a ride. We try hard to be that company.
We tell you what's wrong, what it'll cost, and what happens if you wait. If the repair is a bad investment, we'll tell you that too.
We know Old Town's aging cast iron pipes and Fossil Lake Ranch's newer PEX systems. Local knowledge matters when diagnosing fast.
We give you a real two-hour arrival window. We call if something changes. Waiting all day for a plumber with no update — that's not us.
Everything goes in writing before a single tool comes out. What we quote is what you pay. No add-ons at the end of the job.
Septic to water heater to sewer main — we handle it all in-house. No handoffs to three different contractors for one property issue.
We specialize in homes. Our scheduling, pricing, and communication are built around homeowners — not commercial project managers.
Urgent Situations
A burst pipe, failed sump, or backed-up sewer line can't wait until Monday. When something's gone wrong and you need a plumber fast, call us directly. We'll tell you right away if we can help and give you an honest timeframe — no automated hold music, no "we'll have someone call you back."
Now, you might be wondering — what do I do right now, before you get there? Here's the short version: shut off your main water supply valve (usually in the basement or near the meter), don't use any drains or toilets until we assess the situation, and if there's standing water, keep it away from electrical panels. Those three steps can prevent a lot of secondary damage.
We'd rather you call us at 7 AM than let the problem get worse because you weren't sure if it was "bad enough." It usually is. Call us.
Call Now: (970) 672-3282Our Process
We try to keep it simple and stress-free. Here's what typically happens from your first call to the finished job:
Tell us what's going on. We'll ask a few targeted questions so we come prepared with the right parts and tools — no charge for the call, no obligation.
We offer same-week appointments for most jobs. You get a confirmed time window — not "sometime between 8 and 5." We call the day before to confirm.
We assess the problem in person, explain what we found in plain English, and hand you a written estimate before touching anything. You decide — zero pressure.
Once you approve, we get to work. We keep the area tidy, protect your floors and fixtures, and let you know if anything unexpected turns up mid-job — before adding costs.
We walk you through what was done, answer your questions, and make sure everything works before we pack up. You only pay what was quoted.
Specialty Services
In Larimer County, the permitting and soil conditions add complexity that not every plumber knows how to navigate. We do this regularly — site evaluation, county permits, installation, and final inspection. You don't need to coordinate multiple contractors or figure out the permit process yourself.
Whether you're installing a new system, dealing with a drain field backing up, or replacing a tank at end of life, we walk you through the process step by step in plain English.
Septic System Services
When a well pump stops working, life gets uncomfortable fast. We diagnose most well pump issues on the first visit — within an hour we can tell you whether the pump needs to be pulled and replaced, or if it's a simpler fix like a pressure tank bladder or pressure switch.
We'll give you the honest answer even if it means a smaller job for us. Submersible pump pulls require the right equipment — this one is worth calling a professional for.
Well Pump ServicesLocal Coverage
We know Fort Collins well — and that's not just a line. Different parts of town genuinely have different plumbing challenges. Older homes in Old Town commonly have cast iron and galvanized steel lines that corrode from the inside out. Newer builds in Fossil Lake Ranch or Stetson Creek are mostly PEX and CPVC — totally different diagnostic approach. We know what to look for before we even walk in the door.
Not sure if we cover your neighborhood? Give us a quick call — if we can't help, we'll try to point you in the right direction.
Common Issues
Certain issues come up again and again in this area. Here are the ones we handle most often — and what usually causes them:
Usually a combination of grease buildup and root intrusion — especially in older Fort Collins neighborhoods. Often worse than a basic cable snake can fix permanently. Our drain cleaning service gets to the actual cause.
Most tank water heaters last 10–15 years. When yours starts leaking at the base, producing rusty water, or running cold faster than before — it's usually a sign that repair has a short shelf life. Our water heater installation and repair team can diagnose the issue fast.
A failing drain field, a full tank that's overdue for pumping, or a cracked distribution box. All of these have a cascade effect if left alone. Our septic repair service covers the full range of system components.
Could be a corroded supply line, a failing pressure regulator, mineral buildup in fixtures, or a well pump struggling to maintain adequate PSI. Diagnosis is step one.
Fort Collins winters can freeze pipes in exposed garage walls, crawlspaces, and exterior lines. Even a slow drip behind a wall can cause significant structural damage over months.
Root invasion, pipe bellying, or scale buildup — sewer problems usually show first as gurgling drains, slow toilets, or occasional sewage odor in the basement or yard. See what's involved in our sewer and water main repair service.
A small leak behind a wall can rot framing, breed mold, and damage insulation — turning a $300 repair into a $3,000–$8,000 gut job over months. A septic that "seems fine but smells funny" can fail completely. A well pump that short-cycles eventually burns itself out. These are real calls we get from Fort Collins homeowners who waited.
The job doesn't get smaller on its own. It only gets bigger.
We're not the right fit for everyone. If you want someone to tell you everything is fine so you can put it off another month — call someone else. But if you want an honest answer about what's actually happening with your plumbing, what it'll cost to fix, and how urgent it really is — call us now.
Speak to a real plumber. No call center. No voicemail maze. Get a straight answer today.
(970) 672-3282 Call Now — Get a DiagnosisStar Plumbing Co. LLC — Fort Collins, CO — Licensed & Insured — Written estimates on all jobs
DIY vs. Pro
We'll be honest: there are some plumbing tasks a confident homeowner can handle without us. But there are others where a DIY attempt tends to make the problem worse — or creates liability and code issues down the road. Here's a practical breakdown:
| Task | DIY Friendly? | Pro Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a toilet flapper or fill valve | Yes — easy DIY | Not necessary for most people |
| Replace a faucet aerator or showerhead | Yes — easy DIY | Not necessary unless corroded |
| Unclog a slow sink drain (minor) | Yes — try plunger or baking soda first | Call us if it keeps coming back |
| Replace an outdoor hose bib | Possible, but requires shutting main | Recommended if unsure about main valve |
| Install a new toilet (simple swap) | Possible with experience | Recommended if wax ring seal is tricky |
| Fix a leaky pipe joint or supply line | Temporary fix only | Yes — improper repair can cause water damage |
| Drain cleaning (deep blockage) | Don't — rental snakes often make it worse | Yes — we have the right tools |
| Water heater replacement | No — permit required in Colorado | Yes — required by code |
| Sewer line repair or replacement | No — requires permits and inspection | Yes — always |
| Septic system work | No — county permit required in Larimer | Yes — mandatory by law |
| Well pump service or replacement | No — risk of well damage and contamination | Yes — specialized equipment required |
| Main water line repair | No — permit required, utility locate needed | Yes — always |
In Colorado, unpermitted plumbing work can void your homeowner's insurance coverage for related water damage claims. It can also become a problem at resale — inspectors flag unpermitted work and buyers walk or renegotiate. The short-term cost of a licensed plumber is almost always less than the long-term liability of DIY work in the wrong places.
Your Family's Health
Most people think of plumbing as a convenience thing — water in, waste out. But in our experience, the condition of your plumbing system has a direct impact on your family's health in ways that aren't always obvious until something goes wrong.
Corroded galvanized steel pipes — common in Fort Collins homes built before the 1980s — can leach iron, manganese, and in some cases lead into your drinking water. If your water looks slightly brown first thing in the morning, that's not just aesthetics. A pipe assessment tells you what you're actually drinking.
Slow leaks behind walls or under cabinets create the warm, damp environment that mold needs to colonize — usually within 24–48 hours of initial water exposure. By the time you smell it or see discoloration, mold has typically been growing for weeks. Fixing leaks early isn't just about the pipe. It's about the air quality in your home.
Properly vented drain systems keep sewer gases — including hydrogen sulfide and methane — out of your living space. Dry P-traps, cracked vent pipes, or improperly installed fixtures can allow these gases to seep in. Low-level exposure causes headaches and nausea. It's worth investigating if your home has unexplained odors even after cleaning.
A failing septic system doesn't just cause odors. It can introduce pathogens into the soil around your property — and in rural Northern Colorado properties on private wells, that contaminated soil can eventually reach your water source. Regular septic maintenance and timely repairs aren't optional if you care about the water coming out of your taps.
Water heaters set above 120°F increase scalding risk, especially for young children and elderly family members. But setting them too low (below 120°F) creates an environment where Legionella bacteria can grow in the tank. The right temperature balance matters — and so does a properly functioning thermostat and pressure relief valve.
Private well owners in Larimer County are responsible for testing and maintaining their own water quality — there's no municipal system doing it for you. A well pump in poor condition, a compromised well casing, or a failing pressure tank can all affect the bacteria count and mineral content of your water. We recommend annual water testing for all well households.
In our experience, the homeowners who treat plumbing as purely reactive — only calling when something breaks — end up spending more money and dealing with more health-related issues than those who stay modestly proactive. You don't need an annual inspection of everything. But knowing the age of your pipes, the condition of your water heater, and the last time your septic was serviced gives you real information to make smart decisions.
We're happy to walk through your home's plumbing situation with you and give you an honest picture of what needs attention and what can wait. Call us at (970) 672-3282 or browse our services to get started.
We started Star Plumbing Co. LLC because we saw too many homeowners getting vague estimates, unexplained charges, or fixes that didn't hold up past the first hard rain. That bothered us.
We're a small team, and we plan to keep it that way. That means you get experienced plumbers on every job — not apprentices learning on your system. We take real pride in work that holds up and communication that doesn't leave you guessing.
Fort Collins is home. We live here, we know the building stock, and we care about the reputation we've built in this community. When something goes wrong on a job — which in plumbing, sometimes happens — we come back and fix it. That's not a special policy. That's just the deal.
"We believe the best plumbing job is one you forget about entirely — because it was done right and stays that way."Talk to Us: (970) 672-3282
We combine the highest quality parts with a genuine commitment to your satisfaction. Every job. Every time. No exceptions.
We are proud to offer free estimates and consultation for all remodel and repair work. We'll explain all your available options so you can choose the scope that's right for your home or business — no pressure, no obligation.
Whether you need a simple faucet installation or complete sewer line replacement, we offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. We continually strive to exceed expectations for every client.
We combine our use of the highest quality parts and equipment with a dedication to delivering exceptional work. If something we did isn't right, we come back and make it right. That's not a special warranty. That's just how we work.
A burst pipe or failed sewer line can't wait until Monday. When something goes wrong, call us directly — no automated hold music, no voicemail maze. We'll give you an honest timeframe and useful advice over the phone immediately.
Licensed & Insured · Fort Collins, CO · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Urgent situations: call anytime
Coverage Area
Our service area extends well beyond city limits. If you're outside Fort Collins but still in the Northern Colorado region, there's a good chance we can help. Rural and semi-rural properties with well and septic systems are a specialty — not an afterthought.
Serving rural properties in Larimer County? We handle well pumps and septic systems in areas where a lot of contractors won't make the trip. See our full service area or call us directly and we'll confirm coverage.
Common Questions
These are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn't here, just call — we're happy to talk it through without any sales pressure.
It varies by job. Minor repairs usually run in the low-to-mid hundreds. Larger jobs like water heater replacements, septic work, or sewer line repairs are higher. We provide free written estimates so you know the cost before we start — we'd rather give you an accurate number than a misleadingly low one that grows at the end.
We respond to urgent situations as quickly as we can. Call (970) 672-3282 and tell us what's happening. We'll give you an honest timeframe and useful immediate advice over the phone while we get to you.
Check your pressure tank and breaker panel first — a tripped breaker is sometimes all it is. If that looks fine and you still have no water or pressure, call us. We can diagnose most well pump issues on the first visit. Don't attempt to pull a submersible pump yourself — it's easy to damage the drop pipe or pump cable.
Generally every 3–5 years for a household of 3–4 people, depending on tank size and usage. A tank that's never pumped eventually causes solids to migrate into the drain field — an expensive problem to fix. We recommend keeping a record of your last service date.
What Customers Say
We work hard to earn good reviews — and we don't expect them until we've earned them. Here's the kind of feedback we get:
"Our septic system was backing up and I had no idea where to start. They came out within a day, walked me through what was happening, and gave me options at different price points. No pressure at all. We ended up doing a targeted repair instead of full replacement and it's been solid ever since. Honestly appreciated the honesty."
"Hot water heater gave out on a Thursday morning. They fit us in Friday, showed up exactly when they said, and had the new unit fully installed by early afternoon. Pricing was transparent and they explained everything about the new unit. Will definitely use them again — and already referred them to a neighbor."
"We're on a well out near Laporte and our pump was cycling every few minutes and losing pressure. They diagnosed it fast — turned out to be the pressure tank bladder, not the pump, which saved us a significant amount. Quick fix, fair price, and they explained exactly what to watch for going forward. Didn't try to upsell us on anything."
"I'd been smelling something odd in my basement for weeks and assumed it was nothing. Called Star Plumbing on a whim — turns out I had a cracked cleanout cap letting sewer gas into the house. Simple fix, but I wouldn't have found it on my own. They were in and out in under an hour and charged a fair rate. Highly recommend."
Testimonials represent composite customer experiences typical of our work. Individual results may vary by job scope and conditions.
Here's Everything You Get When You Call Us
Most plumbing companies charge for an estimate. Show up late. Give you a vague number and pressure you on the spot. Here's what we do differently — and what you get every single time you call:
We come to you, diagnose the problem in person, and give you a written quote before any work begins.
What we quote is what you pay. No "we found some extra stuff" charges after the job. Price changes only happen with your explicit sign-off.
We don't give you an 8-hour window and disappear. You get a 2-hour slot and a call if anything changes. Your time matters.
We explain what's wrong in language you can actually understand — not jargon designed to make you feel like you have no choice but to approve everything.
Where it makes sense, we give you a repair option and a replacement option with honest pros and cons. You decide. We don't decide for you.
For jobs that need Larimer County permits, we handle the paperwork and scheduling. You don't have to navigate the county building department yourself.
Before we leave, we show you exactly what was done, test everything, and answer your questions. You're not left guessing whether it was done right.
If something we did isn't working right, we come back and make it right. This isn't a special warranty program. It's just what we do.
Everything above, on every single job. No asterisks. No fine print. No upsells you didn't ask for.
If we can't fix it, we'll tell you that before you pay us anything. If we don't know the answer, we'll say so and point you to someone who does. We'd rather lose a job than give you bad information. That's not marketing — it's just how we operate.
Ready to Get It Fixed?
Call us, get a real answer about your plumbing problem, and schedule a visit that works for your week. No pressure, no pushy sales, no runaround. Just honest work from a team that takes pride in it.
Fort Collins, CO • Mon–Fri 8am–6pm • Urgent situations handled as fast as possible
419 N Meldrum St,
Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States