Frozen Pipes Playbook for Colorado Winters: Prevention, Thawing & When to Call a Pro

One day, you wake up to sunshine and temperatures at 50°F. The next day, a polar plunge brings along sub-zero nights and howling winds. 

For Colorado homeowners, these weather changes aren’t just a matter of comfort. If a pipe freezes during cold weather, it’s a ticking time bomb that can explode and lead to thousands of dollars in damage. As water freezes, it expands and places extreme force on your pipes. Eventually, this can cause them to burst open. 

With the best plumbing tips and frozen pipe prevention in Fort Collins, you can learn the most common signs of frozen pipes and how to thaw frozen pipes safely. We’ll review when you can handle pipe-related issues on your own and when to call in our team of experienced plumbers at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Read on to learn more.

Critical “First Down” Rule: Know Your Shut-Off Valve

Before worrying about any other tips, the first step is to find your water main shut-off valve location. If a frozen pipe ends up bursting during an Arctic blast, knowing the valve’s location can prevent major damage from happening. This valve can shut off all of the water going into your home, ensuring your home remains dry.

Typically, you can find the shut-off valve in your basement or mechanical room. It may also be in a utility room or the crawlspace entrance. To make sure it will work in an emergency, try testing it to see if it turns properly.

Defensive Strategy: Prevention (The DOs)

As a part of your frozen pipe prevention in Fort Collins, remember to use the following prevention tips.

DO Disconnect Garden Hoses

To winterize plumbing in Fort Collins, start by disconnecting your garden hoses. When these hoses remain attached to the spigot, they allow water to stay trapped. This can eventually freeze into the wall and burst the pipe. As the #1 cause of spring leaks, this is the most important thing you can do to prevent burst pipes.

To protect your home, detach the hose and allow it to drain. For added protection, install an insulated faucet cover on the spigot.

DO Keep the Heat On (Even When Away)

If you’re away on a ski trip or family vacation, leaving the heat on can feel like a waste of energy. However, turning the heat down carries significant risks.

When it comes to preventing pipes from freezing while on vacation, we recommend keeping your thermostat set to at least 65°F. Additionally, you should open up cabinet doors so that air can circulate around the pipes.

DO Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

In drafty crawl spaces, temperatures can fall significantly. Garages, attics, and crawlspaces have pipes running through them, but these areas are often unheated. To avoid frozen pipes, use UL-listed heat tape or foam pipe sleeves on exposed plumbing.

DO Let Faucets Drip

Another technique is to use dripping faucets to prevent freezing. When water is moving, it is less likely to freeze. Ideally, you should turn on the faucet that is farthest from the water main. If temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing, leave the faucet on so that it drips slightly. For the best results, use lukewarm water.

Offensive Strategy: Thawing Frozen Pipes 

Even with the best prevention techniques, your pipes may still freeze during Front Range cold snaps. You’ll know that they are frozen because nothing comes out when you turn the faucet’s handle. If the pipes are just beginning to freeze, a trickle of water may come out. Often, the exposed pipe will also have frost on it. 

When this occurs, you need to keep the faucet open. This will allow water and steam to get out as the pipe starts to thaw. 

Then, get a hair dryer or portable space heater to warm up the pipe on the faucet side. As the faucet side warms up, you can work backward toward the frozen section. Make sure space heaters and hair dryers are kept at a safe distance from the water so that you don’t electrocute yourself or others. If you don’t have either of these devices, you can try wrapping the pipe in a towel soaked in hot water.

The Dangerous DON’Ts

When dealing with Poudre Valley weather shifts, never do the following things. 

• NEVER Use an Open Flame: Open flames, like blowtorches and propane torches, should never be used on a frozen pipe. This is a major fire hazard. Besides causing a fire, open flames can cause the water to boil inside of the pipe and lead to an explosion.
• NEVER Use a Charcoal Stove or Gas Device Indoors: Sometimes, people will try to use charcoal or gas devices to warm up frozen pipes. You should never use these types of devices inside because of the carbon monoxide risk involved. Instead, call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for emergency services.

When To Call the Pros: The “Red Flag” Scenarios

If you’re dealing with an emergency, a Northern Colorado emergency plumber can quickly diagnose the problem. Besides scheduling burst pipe repairs in Fort Collins, you should call our team in the following situations.

• The Freeze Is Inaccessible: Sometimes, the frozen section is hidden inside the wall or underground. If this is the case, you’ll need to reach out to a professional plumber for plumbing repairs. We have specialized equipment that allows us to thaw out pipes without taking apart your walls.
• The Wind Chill Factor: Cold temperatures aren’t the only thing that can cause frozen pipes. When high winds blow along the Front Range, they can get into cracks in your siding and foundation. This can cause flash-freezing of uninsulated pipes.
• The Pipe Has Already Burst: Pooling water or the sound of rushing water is a major indication that one of your pipes has already burst. If this happens, you should immediately shut off the main valve and call our team for emergency services. We’re available 24/7 to help with your plumbing emergencies.
• You Can’t Locate the Blockage: If you are unable to find where the frozen section is, it may be at the main service line entry. In this situation, you need to reach out for professional help.

Why Northern Colorado Homes Are Susceptible

From Old Town historic homes to CSU student housing, there are unique types of construction in Larimer County that can increase the likelihood of frozen pipes. Many homes have vented crawl spaces, allowing frigid air to circulate around your pipes. Additionally, local homes often have slab foundations where pipes are run through cold concrete.

Solve Your Frozen Pipe Problems Quickly 

While wintertime in Fort Collins is incredibly beautiful, the cold weather brings along certain maintenance requirements. From plumbing heat tape installation to dripping faucets, there are a few important steps you should take for frozen pipe prevention in Fort Collins. 

If you do wake up with frozen pipes, don’t panic. Our team of trusted plumbers can help you thaw out your pipes and avoid a major disaster. 

Worried about how your plumbing systems will handle freezing temperatures? Give Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing a call today at 970-345-3361 for emergency frozen pipe repair and winterization services.