Tips to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing During This Bitter Cold Snap

Typical of winter in Denver – when you think we won’t experience the bitter cold, it drops down from the north to chill us to the core.  As that cold settles in, it can wreak havoc on the pipes in your home.  Here are a few tips to ensure you won’t have to deal with a burst pipe.

Outside your home

  • Homes with crawl spaces should make certain crawl space windows are closed and properly insulated. 
  • Insulate pipes in your attic.
  • Seal any gaps around pipes, dryer vents, or wiring with caulk or insulation to keep cold air from leaking inside.
  • Disconnect garden hoses and if possible, turn off the water at the faucet shutoff valve.

Inside your home

  • Open the cabinets beneath your sinks if they are on exterior walls to let the heat warm your pipes.
  • Another option for sinks on exteriors walls is to allow warm water to trickle slightly overnight.
  • Don’t turn down the thermostat at bedtime.
  • Let your family know where the water shutoff valve is and how it works.

What if your pipes freeze but don’t burst? If you turn on your faucets and no water comes out, your pipes are likely frozen.

  • Try using a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe. Start at the end of the pipe nearest the faucet and slowly work your way to the wall.  To avoid electrocution, never use a hair dryer or any electrical appliances in areas of standing water.
  • Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame to avoid starting a fire.

And what if your pipes burst?

  1. If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in your house.
  2. Leave the faucets turned on
  3. Give us a call at 720.619.8752

Heart Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric repairs broken pipes, provides preventive maintenance on water heaters and inspects pipes for leaks or concerns. We are available 24/7 to answer your calls.

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