How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Colorado Winters

Northern Colorado winters are unpredictable. A November afternoon can hit 65°F; that same night can drop to 5°F. Pipes that weren't a problem last year can freeze and burst when an unexpected cold snap hits — flooding basements, destroying drywall, and turning a $0 problem into a $5,000 emergency. Prevention takes less than an afternoon. Here's exactly what to do.

Know which pipes are at risk

Pipes most likely to freeze are those running through unheated spaces: exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and attics. Hose bib supply lines — the pipe behind your outdoor spigot — are especially vulnerable. So are pipes in kitchen cabinets on exterior walls. Walk your home and identify every pipe that's not in a conditioned, heated space.

Insulate exposed pipes before October

Foam pipe insulation costs very little and takes minutes to install. Wrap any pipes in unheated areas — especially in crawl spaces and garages. For pipes on exterior walls inside finished spaces, keep cabinet doors open during cold snaps to allow warm air to circulate.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

This is the single most overlooked step. Leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor faucet traps water in the supply line even if the faucet itself has a frost-free design. Disconnect all hoses before the first hard freeze. If your outdoor faucet has a separate interior shutoff, close it and open the exterior spigot to drain any remaining water from the line.

Keep your thermostat consistent

Turning the heat down dramatically at night to save money increases freeze risk. In Northern Colorado, keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55°F even when you're away for extended periods. The cost of a burst pipe repair — including water damage cleanup and drywall — is typically $3,000–$8,000. The cost of leaving your heat at 55°F for a weekend is a few dollars.

Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls

During sustained cold periods — when nighttime lows are forecast below 10°F — open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls. This allows warm household air to reach the pipes rather than trapping cold air in the cabinet.

Know where your main water shut-off is

If a pipe does freeze and burst, every second counts. Find your main shut-off now — it's typically near where the water line enters the house, in the basement, crawl space, or utility area. Make sure the valve turns freely. If it's stiff or corroded, have it replaced before winter.

What to do if a pipe freezes

If you turn on a faucet and get little to no water, a pipe is likely frozen. Keep the faucet open — this allows water to escape as the ice melts. Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, starting at the faucet end and working toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame. If you can't locate the frozen section, call us — we have equipment to locate and thaw frozen pipes without tearing open your walls unnecessarily.