Winter in Denver can be harsh on your home's plumbing system. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing pipes to burst and resulting in thousands of dollars in water damage. Here's how to protect your pipes and avoid this costly disaster.

Why Pipes Freeze in Denver

Denver's climate presents unique challenges for homeowners. With temperatures that can plummet well below freezing and stay there for days, unprotected pipes are at serious risk. The combination of cold outdoor temperatures, wind chill, and inadequate insulation creates the perfect storm for frozen pipes.

Pipes most at risk include:

• Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
• Pipes in unheated areas like garages, basements, and crawl spaces
• Pipes along exterior walls
• Swimming pool supply lines

Essential Prevention Steps

1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipe insulation is your first line of defense. Use foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, or newspapers and plastic wrap for emergency situations. Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Cold air entering through cracks and gaps can freeze nearby pipes. Seal openings around pipes where they enter your home, and close any vents in crawl spaces during extremely cold weather.

3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them completely. Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets using the shut-off valve inside your home, then open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water.

4. Keep Interior Temperature Consistent

Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even when you're away. Don't let the temperature drop below 55°F. The small increase in heating costs is nothing compared to the cost of pipe repairs and water damage.

5. Open Cabinet Doors

On extremely cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. This is especially important for sinks along exterior walls.

6. Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures are expected to drop significantly, let faucets drip slightly. Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water. Focus on faucets served by pipes that run through unheated or poorly heated areas.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Here's what to do:

1. Keep the faucet open. Running water will help melt ice in the pipe.
2. Apply heat to the frozen section. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene heater, or other open flame devices.
3. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets to see if you have additional frozen pipes.
4. Call a professional if you can't locate the frozen area or if the frozen pipe is not accessible.

When to Call the Professionals

While many pipe protection measures can be handled by homeowners, some situations require professional expertise:

• Installing permanent pipe insulation in hard-to-reach areas
• Relocating pipes that are prone to freezing
• Installing heat cables for chronic problem areas
• Any signs of burst or damaged pipes
• Frozen pipes that you cannot safely thaw yourself

Emergency Preparedness

Be prepared for winter emergencies by:

• Knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve
• Keeping the contact information for a reliable plumber handy
• Having a supply of pipe insulation materials on hand
• Installing smart water leak detectors for early warning

Remember, prevention is always less expensive than repair. Taking these proactive steps can save you thousands of dollars and the hassle of dealing with burst pipes and water damage during Denver's coldest months.