News Edition
Living in the Mile High City means embracing a winter that can be as beautiful as it is brutal. One day you’re enjoying a crisp, sunny afternoon at Washington Park, and the next, a polar vortex has sent temperatures plummeting into the negatives. For homeowners, these extreme swings in mercury aren’t just an excuse to break out the heavy parkas; they are a direct threat to the plumbing systems that keep our houses functional.
In Denver, the coldest months—typically December through February—bring the highest risk for frozen pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands with incredible force, often leading to a rupture that can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Whether you are in a historic Victorian in Baker or a new build in Central Park, finding a reliable plumber before a crisis hits is vital. However, the best strategy is always prevention.
Use this 5-point checklist to ensure your home remains dry and your pipes stay intact throughout the Colorado winter.
1. Insulate Vulnerable “Hot Spots”
Not all pipes are created equal in the eyes of a winter storm. Pipes located in unheated areas—such as attics, crawl spaces, and basements—are the most likely to freeze. Additionally, any plumbing running along an exterior wall is at high risk because it is separated from the freezing air by only a few inches of siding and insulation.
Purchase foam pipe sleeves or heat tape from a local hardware store and wrap these exposed lines. It’s a low-cost weekend project that provides a significant buffer against the cold. Pay special attention to the areas where pipes enter the home from the outside, as these gaps often allow freezing drafts to “point-chill” the metal or plastic.
2. The “Pencil-Thin” Drip Method
When the forecast calls for temperatures to drop below 20°F, it’s time to let your faucets drip. This isn’t just about keeping the water moving; it’s about relieving pressure. Surprisingly, it isn’t usually the ice itself that causes a pipe to burst, but the pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the faucet.
Open both the hot and cold taps to allow a slow, steady trickle—about the width of a pencil lead—on the faucets furthest from your water main. According to the Red Cross, even a small drip can prevent the pressure from reaching the point of failure.
3. Open Cabinet Doors to Circulate Heat
Most of our plumbing is tucked away behind closed cabinet doors, especially under kitchen and bathroom sinks. While this keeps the clutter out of sight, it also blocks the warmth of your home from reaching the pipes.
On those particularly frigid Denver nights, leave your vanity and kitchen cabinet doors open. This allows the ambient heat from your furnace to circulate around the pipes. It might look a little messy for a few days, but it’s a small price to pay to keep the water flowing.
4. Seal the “Air Leaks” in Your Foundation
Cold air is relentless; it will find every crack and crevice in your home’s exterior. Check your basement and crawl space for any small openings around dryer vents, electrical wiring, or outdoor hose bibs.
Use caulk or expanding spray foam to seal these gaps. A tiny draft of sub-zero air hitting a pipe directly can cause it to freeze even if the rest of the room feels relatively warm. While you’re at it, make sure your garage door stays closed if you have water lines running through the garage ceiling or walls.
5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Faucets
This is the most common mistake Denver homeowners make. Many people assume that “freeze-proof” faucets don’t require any maintenance, but that’s only true if the hose is disconnected. If a garden hose remains attached, water stays trapped in the “neck” of the faucet. When that water freezes, it can expand back into the house, causing a pipe to burst inside the wall.
Ensure all hoses are removed, drained, and stored by late October. If you have an indoor shut-off valve for your outdoor spigots, turn it off and then open the outdoor tap to drain any remaining water from the line. Research from Denver Water suggests that outdoor-related plumbing failures are among the most avoidable winter insurance claims.
Know Your Main Shut-Off Valve
In the event that a pipe does freeze, your first priority should be locating your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe has already cracked, you’ll want the water off before it thaws and starts gushing into your home. Label the valve clearly with a bright tag so that anyone in the household can find it in the dark or during a moment of panic.
Denver’s winters are unpredictable, but your plumbing doesn’t have to be. By taking these proactive steps, you can hunker down for the next snowstorm with the confidence that your home is protected. If you do notice a sudden drop in water pressure or frost on your pipes, don’t wait for the puddle to form—contact a professional immediately to help thaw the lines safely.
