When the temperature in Brighton, CO, plummets, unprotected plumbing systems suffer. Trapped moisture in water supply lines and wastewater pipes can freeze and expand. This expansion could crack or rupture pipes, disrupt pipe connections and set the stage for major water damage. To avoid the need for pipe replacement and water damage repairs, get your plumbing system ready for winter. The following are several ways to prevent frozen pipes this winter.
Maintain an Indoor Temperature of 55 Degrees Fahrenheit or Higher
Among the best ways to safeguard your plumbing system against freezing is maintaining a healthy, high-functioning HVAC system. Set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher, and keep your furnace, heat pump or boiler running. As long as the interior of your home remains at 55 degrees or higher, you shouldn’t have any freezing issues with indoor pipes, especially if yours are well-insulated.
Open Under-Sink Cabinets
Keep in mind that some areas of your home won’t reach 55 degrees, even when your heater is on. This includes some spaces, like under-sink cabinets, your basement, attached garage and crawlspaces. To protect the pipes in under-sink cabinets, leave cabinet doors slightly ajar. This will allow warm air to seep into these spaces so that the water in P-traps doesn’t freeze.
Open Your Taps
Whether leaving for a winter vacation or dealing with a broken HVAC system, you can prevent ice from building up inside your pipes by leaving your water running. According to the American Red Cross, even a light trickle will stave off freezing.
Insulate Exposed Pipes Both Indoors and Out
Keeping under-sink cabinet doors ajar won’t do much for exposed pipes at the building exterior or in your crawlspaces, attic, basement or garage. Even with your taps turned on, slow-moving water can still freeze. It’s far better to protect these pipes with quality insulation.
You can use UL-listed heat tape or fitted pipe sleeves to wrap exposed indoor and outdoor pipes. You can also install heat cables on pipes in areas that are especially prone to freezing for enhanced protection.
Disconnect Your Water Hoses
Don’t neglect the pipes that serve your outdoor hose bibs. Disconnect your water hoses, drain them and store them. Freezing-related expansion can permanently damage water hoses, too.
Empty Your Hose Bibs
Turn the water supply off to exterior hose bibs. You’ll find the water shutoff valves for these inside your home. These valves are usually located in basements or crawlspaces, just on the opposite side of the exterior wall. Once you’ve disconnected their water supply, open your outdoor taps and drain them completely.
Cover Your Hose Bibs
To extend the lifespan of your hose bibs and the connected water supply lines, consider installing hose bib covers. These covers shield bibs from the natural elements, prevent corrosion and ensure that residual moisture doesn’t freeze and expand.
Schedule a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection
Annual whole-house plumbing inspections allow plumbers to spot and fix problems, like slow and hidden leaks. Leaky, uninsulated pipes have the highest likelihood of frosting over when the outside temperature drops.
If you’ve already had your annual plumbing inspection, consider scheduling leak detection services. This is especially important to do if you have:
- Unexplained increases in your water bill
- Dripping sounds behind your drywall
- Rising indoor humidity
- Damp drywall or baseboards
- Pooling water anywhere in your home
Take Care of Slow-Moving Drains and a Dirty Sewer Line
Insulating your water lines and keeping your home warm will prevent water from freezing in the pipes that lead to your taps. However, it’s also important to consider your home’s wastewater system. When temperatures in Brighton are at their lowest, trapped moisture in sewer pipes can freeze, too.
Not only can frozen wastewater lines lead to pipe ruptures, but they can also disrupt the flow of waste out of your home. If you continue to use your plumbing system, you could experience a whole-house backup.
The best way to avoid frozen wastewater pipes is by keeping your drains and sewer line clean. You should schedule professional drain-cleaning service at least once each year and have your sewer line cleaned and inspected every 18 months. If you have multiple foul-smelling, slow-moving or blocked drains at once, schedule sewer service right away.
In Brighton, plumbers take special care to bury sewer pipes below the frost line. However, you can take extra steps to prevent sewer line freezing by covering exposed drain and sewer line traps.
As a trusted, local plumbing company, TYCO Plumbing is a top choice for plumbing service in Brighton and the surrounding communities. We offer expert leak detection, re-piping, and drain and sewer services. When you need help preventing or thawing frozen pipes in Brighton, give TYCO Plumbing a call!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main water shutoff, and what should I do first if a pipe bursts during a freeze in Brighton, CO?
Most homes have a main shutoff near where the water line enters the house, by the water meter, or in a utility area. If you have a burst, shut off the main valve, turn off your water heater if it is at risk of running dry, and open a few faucets to relieve pressure. If water is near outlets or appliances, shut off power to the affected area safely. TYCO Plumbing can help locate and label shutoffs so you are ready before the next cold snap.
What are the early warning signs that a pipe is starting to freeze?
Common clues include weak water pressure at one fixture, no water on one side of the home, or water that starts and stops. You may also see frost on exposed piping or notice a faucet that only produces a thin stream. Catching it early can help you avoid a burst line and costly water damage.
Can PEX plumbing still freeze, and is it safer than copper in winter?
PEX can still freeze if it is in a cold spot like an exterior wall, crawl space, garage, or attic. It often handles expansion better than rigid piping, but fittings and connections can still fail, and frozen water can still block flow. The best approach is identifying vulnerable runs and improving freeze protection before Brighton temperatures drop hard.
How should I winterize a sprinkler or irrigation system in the Denver metro area to reduce freeze damage?
In Colorado, irrigation lines and backflow devices can be damaged when trapped water freezes and expands. Many homeowners shut off the irrigation supply, drain the system, and have the lines properly cleared before the first deep freeze. If you are not sure what type of backflow device you have or where drains are located, TYCO Plumbing can help you confirm the safest winterization steps for your setup.
What winter plumbing problems are common in garages, basements, and crawl spaces around Brighton?
Unheated or drafty areas can trigger frozen water lines, stuck shutoff valves, or cracked supply lines to washing machines and utility sinks. It is also common for condensate drains from high-efficiency equipment to freeze if they run through cold zones. A quick check of these spaces before the coldest weeks can prevent surprise leaks.
Is it safe to use a space heater to protect plumbing in a cold room?
A space heater can help warm a room, but it should be used carefully: keep it clear of water sources, follow clearance rules, and avoid extension cords. Aim it to warm the space rather than trying to superheat one spot. If you need a longer-term solution, addressing drafts and improving freeze protection is usually safer and more reliable.
Why does freezing weather sometimes cause low water pressure or no water at just one faucet?
A partial freeze can restrict flow in a single branch line, especially to fixtures near exterior walls or in less-heated areas. Mineral buildup in an aerator can also make the problem look worse when flow drops. If only one fixture is affected, checking the aerator is a quick first step, but repeated winter pressure issues usually point to a vulnerable line that should be evaluated.
