Aurora neighborhood
Expansion tank and PRV service in Beacon Point, Aurora, CO 80016
Beacon Point is a neighborhood of mid 2000s two-story homes around E Orchard Dr, S Millbrook Way and E Peakview Dr. At twenty years old, the pressure side of the plumbing is where most problems show up first.
Beacon Point at a glance
- ZIP code
- 80016
- County
- Arapahoe
- Typical homes
- Mid 2000s two-story single-family
- From our Aurora office
- Southeast by E-470 or I-225 and Parker Rd
- Calls we get most
- Pressure problems, expansion tanks, sprinklers
Yes, Beacon Point is within our regular southeast Aurora coverage, near Pine Ridge Elementary, Fox Ridge Middle and Cherokee Trail High. From our Dallas Street office we come southeast via I-225 and Parker Rd or by E-470. We answer 24/7, and a dripping relief valve or a sudden leak gets a same day visit.
Why water pressure is the first thing to fail in Beacon Point
Beacon Point is mostly two-story single family houses built in the mid 2000s. Homes of this age typically have PEX or copper supply lines, plastic drains, a pressure reducing valve where the main enters and a tank water heater with a small expansion tank above it. Each of those pressure parts has a working life, and twenty years is about when they start to give out.
A pressure reducing valve that has drifted lets street pressure into the house. You may hear banging when a valve closes, see toilets refill on their own or notice the water heater relief valve dripping. An expansion tank whose air charge has leaked out no longer absorbs heated water, so pressure spikes every time the heater runs. Those spikes stress PEX fittings, faucet cartridges and appliance hoses throughout the house.
Outside, Beacon Point lawns run on sprinkler systems with backflow assemblies that Aurora Water requires to be tested, and spring start-up is when most owners schedule it. Freezing nights can crack a backflow device that was not drained in fall. The homes also sit on expansive Front Range clay, so it is still worth checking the sewer lateral if drains slow down, even in a newer house.
Common calls
Beacon Point pressure and water system work
Expansion Tank Installation
Original expansion tanks lose their air charge over time. A new tank, set to the house pressure, stops the spikes that wear out relief valves and fittings.
More on expansion tank installationPressure Reducing Valves
A twenty year old PRV often lets pressure creep up. Replacing it and setting it correctly protects every fixture and appliance in the house.
More on pressure reducing valvesBackflow Testing & Repair
Sprinkler backflow assemblies need regular testing for Aurora Water, and a freeze cracked device needs repair before the system runs again in spring.
More on backflow testing & repairWater Heater Installation
Heaters from the original build are near the end. We replace them with a permit, a high altitude setup and a properly sized expansion tank.
More on water heater installationAppliance Water & Drain Hookups
Refrigerator ice makers, dishwashers and washers get swapped as kitchens update. We install new valves and braided supply lines rated for the pressure.
More on appliance water & drain hookupsLocal tips
Simple pressure checks for a Beacon Point home
- Tap the expansion tankKnock on the side of the expansion tank. The top half should sound hollow. A dull sound all the way up suggests it is full of water and has failed.
- Watch the relief valve lineA small drip from the water heater's relief valve line often points to high pressure or a failed expansion tank rather than a bad heater.
- Gauge the pressure yourselfThread an inexpensive gauge onto a hose bib. A reading well above about 80 psi means the PRV needs attention.
Questions
Plumbing questions from Beacon Point
How do I know if the expansion tank on my Beacon Point water heater has failed?
Tap the tank. If it sounds solid all the way up, it is likely waterlogged. Press the air valve on the end briefly; water instead of air confirms it. Other clues are a dripping relief valve and pressure that jumps when the heater runs. We test the charge and replace the tank if needed.
Why do the pipes bang in my Beacon Point home when a faucet shuts off?
That is usually water hammer, made worse by high pressure. A failing pressure reducing valve is a common cause in homes of this age. Loose pipe straps and quick closing valves in washers and dishwashers add to it. We check the pressure first, then add arrestors or secure lines as needed.
When should I have my Beacon Point sprinkler backflow tested?
Aurora Water requires backflow assemblies to be tested, and spring start-up is when most owners schedule it. Testing then also catches any freeze damage from winter before the system starts watering. If your assembly cracked or will not hold pressure, it needs repair or replacement before it is put back in service.
Plumbing trouble in Beacon Point?
Call any hour. We tell you on the phone how soon a plumber can get to you.