Aurora was built in waves, and the age of a house says a lot about how it will leak. Original Aurora, Delmar Parkway and Hoffman Heights have many homes from the 1940s and 1950s, with galvanized pipes, older sewer laterals and basements that were finished long after the house was built. Water heaters and supply lines in those houses have often run well past their expected life.
Central neighborhoods like Village East, Utah Park and Heather Gardens filled in during the 1970s and 1980s, and most have full basements. Out along E-470, Saddle Rock, Tallyn's Reach, Murphy Creek and Aurora Highlands are newer, with finished lower levels and upstairs laundry rooms. A split washer hose or a failed water heater in one of those homes can soak carpet and drywall across a whole floor.
The weather adds to it. Arctic fronts drop temperatures fast and freeze pipes in outside walls, garages and sprinkler lines. Afternoon hailstorms crack shingles and break skylights. In September 2013, seven to eight inches of rain fell on Aurora in a few days, East Tollgate Creek overflowed, and parks built to hold storm water filled to the brim.
Whatever started it, the order of work stays the same: stop the water, get it out, and dry the structure before mold starts. Crews cover ZIP codes 80010, 80011, 80012, 80013, 80014, 80015, 80016, 80017, 80018, 80019, 80045.
Sand Creek, which runs through north Aurora on its way to the South Platte
Found water? Do this first
Work through these while the crew is on the way. More detail in our frozen pipe guide.
Shut off the water. Close the main valve for any plumbing leak. If it came up a drain, stop using water in the house.
Stay clear of electricity. Keep out of water near outlets, cords or the panel. Flip breakers only from a dry spot.
Call for help. Get a crew scheduled before you start cleaning up.
Take photos. Shoot every wet room, wide and close, before anything moves.
Lift what you can. Move rugs, electronics and boxes off the floor.
Questions before you call
Who answers when I call?
Aurora Water Damage Restoration is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent water damage company that works in Aurora, CO. That company does the work and sets its own prices.
Can a crew come at night or on a weekend?
Yes. You can call any time. Local companies keep emergency crews on call, and the person you talk to will tell you when someone can be there.
Will they work with my insurance?
Most restoration companies photograph the damage and record moisture readings for your claim, and many bill insurance directly. Have your policy number handy if you can.
How much does water damage cleanup cost?
It depends on how much got wet, whether the water was clean or sewage, and how long it sat. The company will look at the damage and explain the cost before starting anything past emergency water removal.
Do you cover all of Aurora?
Yes. Crews cover ZIP codes 80010 through 80019 and 80045, from Original Aurora and the Anschutz campus area out to Saddle Rock, Tallyn's Reach and Murphy Creek, plus Centennial, Parker, Commerce City and Englewood.
Aurora neighborhoods and nearby towns
Original Aurora, Delmar Parkway, Hoffman Heights, Chambers Heights, Village East, Utah Park, Heather Gardens, Mission Viejo, Meadow Hills, Aurora Hills, Seven Hills, Tollgate Overlook, Saddle Rock, Tallyn's Reach, Murphy Creek, Aurora Highlands.
