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Denver’s winters are no joke. With temperatures regularly dipping below freezing, frozen pipes can be a nightmare for homeowners. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to burst pipes, flooding, and expensive repairs.
Taking preventive steps now will save you time, money, and stress later. But what exactly can you do to prevent frozen pipes in Denver’s harsh winters?
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Common Issue in Denver
Denver’s cold temperatures, high elevation, and unpredictable weather make plumbing issues common during winter. When a home isn’t well-insulated, even a short cold snap can cause exposed pipes to freeze and expand. This puts the whole plumbing system at risk. Many older homes in the area were built before modern insulation standards, so they’re more likely to have frozen pipes.
Fortunately, with a few strategic precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your pipes freezing. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your plumbing system safe this winter.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them properly. Focus on the pipes located in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape, which is available at most hardware stores.
Tip: For extra protection, add insulation to the spaces around pipes, such as using spray foam or fiberglass insulation in walls.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cold air seeping through even the smallest cracks can freeze pipes. Walk around your home and inspect areas where pipes enter walls or exit to the outside. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to keep the cold out and the warmth in.
Tip: Pay close attention to spaces around windows, doors, and the foundation where cold air tends to enter.
3. Keep Garage Doors Closed
If you have water supply lines running through the garage, keep the doors closed as much as possible during cold spells. This prevents icy drafts from dropping the temperature inside and affecting your pipes.
Tip: Consider installing weatherstripping on the garage door to add another layer of protection.
4. Let Faucets Drip
During extremely cold weather, let your faucets drip slightly. Running water through the pipes, even at a trickle, can help prevent them from freezing. This is especially important for pipes that run along exterior walls or are in unheated areas.
Tip: If you have both hot and cold taps, let both drip slightly to keep water flowing throughout the entire system.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
In places where pipes are inside cabinets, open the doors to let warm air from the house circulate around the pipes. This can make a big difference during a bad cold snap.
Tip: If you have children or pets, be mindful of cleaning products or chemicals stored inside the cabinets.
6. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature
It’s tempting to lower the thermostat to save on heating costs. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature will help prevent freezing pipes. If you're leaving home for an extended period, make sure to leave the temperature at 55F or higher.
Tip: If you'll be gone for more than a day, ask a neighbor or friend to check in on the house and make sure it stays warm.
7. Disconnect Hoses and Drain Outdoor Faucets
Leaving hoses connected to outdoor spigots is a common mistake that can lead to frozen pipes. Disconnect and store all garden hoses, then drain the water from outdoor faucets. If your home has a shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, use it to turn off the water supply and drain any remaining water.
Tip: Install insulated faucet covers for additional protection.
8. Install Pipe Heating Cables
For pipes that are especially vulnerable or difficult to access, heating cables can be a lifesaver. These electric cables can be wrapped around pipes to keep them warm during extreme cold. They come in different lengths and can be plugged into a nearby outlet.
Tip: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to prevent fire hazards.
9. Know the Emergency Shut-off Valve Location
In case a pipe does freeze and burst, you need to act fast to minimize damage. Locate your main water shut-off valve ahead of time and make sure everyone in the house knows how to turn it off.
Tip: Label the shut-off valve clearly and keep a wrench nearby for easy access.
10. Monitor the Weather and Prepare Ahead
Denver’s winter weather is unpredictable. Keep an eye on the forecast, especially during the winter. If you know a cold snap is coming, take some extra steps to make sure the pipes don't freeze.
Tip: Set up weather alerts on your phone so you’re always in the loop.
Preventing frozen pipes takes some planning, but it’s well worth the effort. Insulate exposed pipes, seal gaps, and keep your home warm during cold snaps. A few small steps can keep your plumbing safe and your winter worry-free.
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