When the harsh winter temperatures in Denver plummet below freezing for multiple days, your home’s plumbing system is at risk. Residents with frozen pipes in Denver deal with this issue annually, and if not treated quickly and properly, it can escalate into a major and costly repair. The key is to remain calm and know what to do if pipes freeze. There are many DIY fixes a Denver homeowner can do before their freezing pipes burst and they need to call a professional plumber like Squeak’s. Read on to learn more.
Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
Your pipes freeze when the water inside them stays below 32°F for an extended period of time. Once it freezes, the water expands and creates tremendous pressure inside the pipe that can cause cracks or complete bursts. Before we dive into some quick fixes for frozen pipes in Denver, we need to know the signs of frozen pipes. Check them out below:
- Little to no water flow: If you turn on your faucet in winter and get only a trickle of water or none at all, it’s likely because ice has built up and is blocking the water flow.
- Frost on exposed pipes: If you see white frost build up on exposed pipes in places like the basement, garage, or crawl spaces, this means your water has frozen.
- Strange noises when running water: You may hear gurgling, banging, or whistling noises. This is from the water trying to move around ice blockages in the pipes.
- Odd odors from drains: In frozen pipes, when water cannot flow properly, sewer gases that normally get flushed away can back up into your home.
Pipes located on exterior walls are especially at risk because they’re closer to the outside cold, while those in unheated spaces lack the benefit of your home’s warm interior air. Perform routine checks on these spaces during the winter to prevent frozen pipes.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Safely
When dealing with frozen pipes, time is critical. The built-up pressure eventually causes pipes to crack or burst completely, resulting in home flooding and costly repairs. The good news is that many frozen pipe situations can be resolved with quick action and the right approach.
If a homeowner catches frozen pipes quickly, they can try some DIY tips before calling a plumber. The quick fixes below have saved Denver homeowners thousands of dollars in burst pipe repair:
- Keep the faucet open: While working on thawing your frozen pipes, keep the faucet open. This allows water to flow and release pressure as it thaws. Even a trickle of water can prevent more freezing.
- Apply gentle heat: The best things to use are a hair dryer or a heating pad on the frozen pipe. Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section, applying heat gradually. Never use high heat or try to rush the process.
- Use space heaters in cold areas: Place them in bathrooms, basements, or utility rooms where pipes are most at risk. Always position heaters safely, away from flammable materials.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks: This allows warm air from your house to circulate and warm the pipe. This also helps prevent freezing from happening in the first place.
The key is to be patient when dealing with frozen pipes. Never, under any circumstances, use open flames to thaw your pipes. Intense heat can damage pipes, create fire hazards, and even cause pipes to burst from rapid temperature changes.
When To Call a Plumber
Knowing when to call a plumber for frozen pipes will save you time and prevent turning a minor situation into a major one. Below are some reasons to turn to Squeak’s, a Denver plumber, for frozen pipes.
- You cannot locate the frozen section: If you cannot find where the pipe is frozen, especially if it’s inside walls or underground, professional help is essential. Squeak’s has the right tools to locate the frozen area without damaging your home.
- Your pipe has burst or is leaking: If you see any visible leaks, cracks, or burst sections, this is an emergency. Turn off your main water supply and call for emergency service right away.
- DIY thawing isn’t working (after 30-60 minutes): If the safe thawing methods aren’t doing anything after an hour, it’s best to call a professional.
- Main water line freezes: When your frozen water line in Denver affects the main line coming into your house, this is definitely a job for experienced Squeak’s plumbers with specialized equipment.
As a professional emergency plumber in Denver, CO, we offer 24/7 support for frozen and burst pipes. We arrive on the job ready to spring into action to get your water working during the harsh winter.
Prevention Tips for Denver Winters
The best strategy for dealing with frozen pipes is preventing them in the first place. Learning how to prevent pipes from freezing in Denver requires specific preparation strategies:
- Insulate pipes in colder areas: These are your basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Let faucets drip: Moving water is much harder to freeze during periods of extreme cold. This old trick still works and costs far less than dealing with frozen pipes.
- Disconnect hoses and outdoor spigots: Do this before the first big freeze and drain any remaining water from outdoor lines to prevent freeze damage.
- Seal air leaks: Do this especially around pipes that enter your home. Even small gaps can let in enough cold air to cause freezing. Caulk, spray foam, or other sealants work.
- Professional plumbing inspection: This is best done before winter. A licensed and certified Squeak’s plumber will identify vulnerable areas and suggest improvements for pipe burst prevention in Denver to limit winter plumbing emergencies.
Local Relevance for Denver Homeowners
Freezing pipes are an unfortunate reality during Denver’s brutal winters. Average winter temperatures frequently drop well below freezing, and our notorious freeze-thaw cycles put extra stress on plumbing systems. These rapid temperature swings cause pipes to expand and contract repeatedly, weakening joints and connections over time.
Denver homes with basements and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable. These below-ground spaces often lack adequate heating and insulation, making them prime locations for pipe freezing problems.
As a local plumber, Squeak’s knows which Denver neighborhoods tend to have more frozen pipe problems, what types of homes are most vulnerable, and which prevention strategies work best in our shifting and cold winter climate.
Take Action When Your Pipes Freeze and Call Squeak’s
While some DIY fixes can thaw your frozen pipes safely, and there are many ways to prevent frozen pipes in Denver, winter emergencies do happen. You need a professional emergency plumber in Denver, CO, like Squeak’s, to provide expert and quick services. Contact Squeak’s for stubborn frozen pipes, burst pipes, or prevention services.
