# Water Service Line Upsizing

Upsizing replaces an undersized water service with a larger one, usually with a new tap at the main. Denver Sewer and Water is a private contractor. The utility approves the new size and charges the difference in fees. We do the work.

- Larger service for added demand.
- Usually requires a new tap.
- Fee difference is charged by the utility.
- Common with additions and remodels.
- Private contractor, not the utility.

## What Upsizing Involves

Upsizing means increasing the diameter of the water service between the main and the building so it can deliver more flow. It is a demand problem, not a pressure problem, and the two are often confused.

In most cases the existing tap cannot simply be enlarged. Upsizing usually means a new, larger tap at the main, a new service line, and a new meter setting sized to match.

The size required comes from a fixture count or a demand calculation, not from a guess. The authority reviews and approves the requested size.

- Pressure drops noticeably when multiple fixtures run.
- An addition, ADU, or added bathrooms increased fixture count.
- A new irrigation system competes with domestic use.
- Fire suppression is being added to the building.
- A change of use raised the demand calculation for the property.

## Who Authorizes the Tap and Who Performs the Tap

Denver Sewer and Water is a private, family owned and operated contractor. We are not Denver Water or the City and County of Denver. We do not issue permits, set fees, own the mains, or approve service. The utility or municipality with jurisdiction does all of that.

The water utility reviews the demand calculation, approves the new service size, charges the fee difference associated with the larger tap, and inspects the work.

Denver Sewer and Water handles the new tap, the new service line, the meter setting, and the abandonment of the old service at the main where required.

The authority authorizes. The licensed contractor performs. Below is the split for this type of work.

- Authority: Approves the new service size against the demand calculation.
- Authority: Charges the fees associated with the larger tap.
- Authority: Inspects the new tap, service, and meter setting.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Reviews existing service size and confirms what the new demand requires.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Taps the main at the approved larger size.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Installs the new service line and meter setting.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Abandons the old service at the main to the required standard.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Restores the surface and closes out the inspection.

## How an Upsizing Project Runs

1. **Verify the Real Constraint** We check whether the limitation is service size, a partially closed valve, corrosion, or interior piping, because upsizing only solves one of those.
2. **Size and Apply** The demand calculation supports the requested size and the application goes to the authority for approval.
3. **Tap and Install** The new tap, service line, and meter setting go in, and the old service is properly abandoned.
4. **Inspect and Restore** Work is inspected, service is transferred, and the site is restored.

## Upsizing Costs

Authority side charges usually reflect the difference between the fees for the existing service size and the larger one. Those figures come from the utility.

Contractor side is driven by service length, depth, surface type between the main and the building, and the new meter setting.

We do not publish fee amounts. Tap fees, plant investment fees, permit fees, and inspection fees are set by the authority with jurisdiction and change on their schedule, not ours. We confirm the current figures in writing with that authority for your address before work is scheduled.

## Frequently asked questions

**Will upsizing fix low pressure?**

Only if the constraint is service capacity. Low static pressure from the main is a different problem and a larger line does not solve it.

**Do I need a new meter?**

Usually yes. A larger service generally requires a larger meter and a setting sized to it, supplied and owned by the utility.

**Does the old line have to be removed?**

It typically must be abandoned at the main to the authority's standard, which is not the same as simply cutting it at the house.

**Are you Denver Water?**

No. Denver Sewer and Water is a private, family owned and operated company. We are not Denver Water or the City and County of Denver. We are the licensed contractor who performs the physical work after the authority with jurisdiction issues the permit.

**Can you tell me my tap fee amount over the phone?**

We can tell you which fees apply to your project type and who charges them. The dollar amounts come from the authority with jurisdiction, and we confirm them for your specific address rather than quoting from memory.

## Related Tap Services and Municipal Process Pages

- [Denver Water Tap Installation](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/denver-water-tap-installation) Who authorizes a water tap, who physically makes the connection, and how the two fit together.
- [Water Meter Pit Installation](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/water-meter-pit-installation) Meter pits and vaults, who supplies the meter, and who builds the pit.
- [Abandonment and Cut-and-Cap Requirements](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/abandonment-cut-and-cap-requirements) Properly killing an old service at the main during demolition or replacement.
- [Fire Line Tap and Installation](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/fire-line-tap-installation) Dedicated fire service taps, backflow requirements, and fire authority sign-off.
- [Tap Permit Process in Denver](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/tap-permit-process-denver) How a tap moves from application to authorized construction in Denver.
- [Tap Process in Lakewood](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/tap-process-lakewood) Lakewood properties are served by separate water and sanitation districts.

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Denver Sewer and Water is a privately owned, licensed and insured plumbing contractor. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Denver Water, the municipal water utility, or any government entity. To pay a municipal water bill or reach the public utility, visit denverwater.org.

Source: https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/water-service-line-upsizing