How to Winterize Your Plumbing in Northern Colorado

Northern Colorado winters are no joke. With temperatures regularly dropping below zero in Greeley, Fort Collins, and Loveland, frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive plumbing emergencies we see every year. The good news is that most freeze damage is preventable with some basic preparation.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Deal

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands with enormous pressure that can crack or burst even metal pipes. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing thousands of dollars in damage to walls, floors, and belongings. The worst part is that many homeowners don't discover the damage until the ice thaws and water starts flowing through the crack.

When to Start Winterizing

In Northern Colorado, start your winterization by mid-October. Our first hard freeze can come as early as late September, and by November, overnight lows regularly hit the teens or single digits. Don't wait until you see snow, by then, you may already be at risk.

Step-by-Step Winterization Checklist

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

This is the single most important thing you can do. A garden hose left connected traps water in the hose bib and the pipe behind it. When that water freezes, it can crack the pipe inside your wall. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them for the season.

2. Shut Off Outdoor Water Supply

If your home has interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, close them and open the outdoor faucet to let remaining water drain. Leave the outdoor faucet slightly open so any trapped water can expand without breaking the pipe.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in your garage, crawl space, attic, or along exterior walls are most vulnerable. Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and available at any hardware store. Pay special attention to areas where you've had freezing issues before.

4. Seal Cold Air Leaks

Check for drafts near pipes, where they enter through exterior walls, gaps around dryer vents, and cracks in the foundation near the crawl space. Seal any gaps with caulk or spray foam insulation.

5. Keep Your Home Warm Consistently

Never let your thermostat drop below 55 degrees, even when you're away or sleeping. If you're going on vacation during winter, don't turn your heat off. A frozen pipe while you're out of town can mean coming home to catastrophic water damage.

6. Open Cabinet Doors During Extreme Cold

When temperatures drop below zero, open the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls. This lets warm air circulate around the pipes. It's a simple trick that makes a real difference.

7. Let Faucets Drip During Deep Freezes

During the coldest nights, single digits or below zero, let faucets drip slightly. Running water, even at a trickle, is much harder to freeze. Focus on faucets served by pipes along exterior walls.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open so melting ice can drain. Try warming the pipe with a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Never use an open flame.

If you can't locate the frozen section, if the pipe has already burst, or if you're not comfortable thawing it yourself, call us immediately. The sooner a frozen pipe is addressed, the less likely it is to burst.

Spring Isn't Safe Either

In Northern Colorado, hard freezes can happen well into April and even early May. Don't rush to reconnect outdoor hoses or turn off winterization measures too early. Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing for at least two weeks.