Anyone who has experienced a Denver winter understands the extreme cold, with an average December low of 23°F and average highs in the 40s throughout the winter. Homeowners have a long list of chores to remember when preparing for the cold months, and that includes taking steps to prevent frozen pipes in Denver. Unfortunately, Denver residents who forget these necessary tasks may return home from vacation to find their house flooded or wake up in the night needing an emergency plumber due to frozen pipes that have burst within the walls.
At Squeak’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we provide comprehensive whole-home plumbing services, including inspections and expert advice to protect your pipes from freezing during winter. Additionally, we offer prompt, same-day or next-day plumbing services to promptly detect and repair any leaks. Our fully licensed and insured plumbers arrive quickly, equipped with everything needed to mitigate serious water damage.
We’ll look at why frozen pipes are such a big issue in the Mile-High City and area, how it happens, and what you can do to prevent it or deal with it when it happens. Squeak’s plumbers are your local go-to for all plumbing assistance, including seasonal preventative plumbing maintenance plans and emergency repairs. If you need a plumber, don’t hesitate to give us a call 24/7 to schedule service.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem in Denver
Freezing temperatures and early snowfall are the biggest causes of frozen pipes. Once temperatures stay at 32°F or lower for any length of time or drop down into the 20s, the water inside the pipes, especially uninsulated pipes, can freeze up.
The dry, high-desert climate and low atmospheric pressure of the South Platte River Valley area cause unpredictable temperature swings that create freeze-thaw cycles multiple times a year, stressing plumbing systems. If your home has inadequate insulation and you’re not prepared, you may find that, along with feeling the chill when you’re out, you might come home to frozen or burst pipes.
Some of the most common places you’ll find frozen pipes in Colorado homes are:
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Exterior walls
- Unheated garages
- Outdoor irrigation systems
- Drafty areas
These are the locations likely to be the least insulated and the most exposed to the cold weather.
What Happens When Pipes Freeze
It’s important to winterize your plumbing in Denver and the surrounding areas because when your pipes freeze, the water inside them slowly stops running as it turns to ice, then expands. The increased pressure will eventually crack or burst the pipe.
Once this happens and the ice thaws, your home will be exposed to water damage, leading to:
- Floor, wall, and ceiling warping
- Peeling and bubbling paint
- Mold and mildew growth
- Structural rot and damage to your home
- Potential electrical hazards
Seeking professional repairs for a frozen or burst pipe is crucial to avoiding these worst-case scenarios. The longer you ignore the issue, the greater the risk of damage to your home, the higher the health risks, and the more costly the repairs will become. Call Squeak’s if you suspect a frozen pipe, and we’ll come advise you on the best course of action. We’ll make sure your safety and the integrity of your home are protected.
Fall Preparation Checklist for Frozen Pipe Prevention
Denver-area homeowners can be proactive in preventing pipes from freezing this winter. Denver Water has helpful tips for cold-weather plumbing prep. Some actions you can take include:
- Know the location of your water shut-off valve so you can turn the water off quickly if a pipe breaks.
- Make sure your water meter and curb stop valve are accessible. This will be important for your plumber.
- Turn off and drain your automatic sprinkler system before the first freeze. Outdoor plumbing is highly susceptible to cracking and leaking due to the ongoing process of freezing and thawing.
- Turn off your outdoor faucets and disconnect the hoses to allow drainage.
- Winterize unheated or vacant buildings, like a summer cabin or unused workspace.
- Insulate problematic water pipes using heat tape.
- Add insulation to plumbing that may be vulnerable to the elements, especially in unheated areas.
- Seal air leaks near your pipes to keep cold air out.
- Schedule professional fall plumbing maintenance. Denver residents can call Squeak’s for a thorough tune-up to help avoid wintertime issues.
Ongoing Winter Maintenance Tips
After making sure to insulate water pipes, Denver residents can also follow these frozen pipe prevention tips to keep their homes safe all winter long.
- Leave your faucets dripping during extremely cold weather.
- Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach hidden pipes.
- Monitor for reduced water flow from your taps.
- Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you’re away.
What To Do if Your Pipes Freeze
If your pipes freeze, use the following steps:
- Step 1: Turn off the main water line to avoid flooding if the pipes burst.
- Step 2: Turn on the faucet supplied by the water line to release pressure and provide a path for the water to flow once the pipes are thawed.
- Step 3: Turn up the heat, use an infrared light, or apply heat to the exposed pipes with a space heater, hair dryer, heating pad, or heat tape to thaw them. Do not use an open flame.
- Step 4: Look for any other frozen pipes. If one is frozen, others will likely be as well.
- Step 5: Call a plumber. At Squeak’s, we can help you safely thaw your pipes, detect hidden leaks, fix cracks and bursts, and more.
Call a plumber immediately if you see a visible bulge or crack in the pipes, or if you can’t thaw the frozen section of pipe by yourself. You should also call a plumber if:
- The frozen part is behind a wall to minimize damage.
- You have a sudden lack of water flow from the tap or a drop in water pressure.
- Your water is discolored.
- You hear banging or whistling sounds coming from the pipes.
- You see signs of water leaks, such as water stains on the walls and ceiling, or water pooling.
A Squeak’s plumber will arrive promptly with expert-level tools to pinpoint leaks and fix your plumbing system, helping you avoid serious structural damage in your home. Burst pipes can be stressful, but when you call Squeak’s, you can relax, knowing we’ll fix the problem right the first time.
Why Choose Squeak’s for Frozen Pipe Prevention in Denver
At Squeak’s, our plumbers are known for their expertise, punctuality, and professionalism. We’re your local trusted experts, with decades of experience to call upon. Whether you need preventative plumbing maintenance and winterization, or you’re in the middle of an emergency, you can count on us for quick, often same-day service. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Our licensed plumbers are locals who understand the local climate and how it affects homeowners like you. Whether you’re in Denver city center or a surrounding community like Superior, Colorado Springs, Glendale, or Aurora, we’re here to help.
To schedule your next fall plumbing tune-up or discuss insulating your plumbing system, contact our team at (720) 640-7894. Alternatively, you can use our online scheduling system to book plumbing service.
