Cold-weather plumbing
Colorado cold snaps can freeze water inside exposed plumbing. As the water expands, pressure can damage the pipe or its connections—and the leak may not appear until the ice thaws.
Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages and cabinets against outside walls can be more exposed to cold air. Outdoor hose connections and plumbing near foundation openings deserve attention before freezing weather arrives.
Disconnect garden hoses, close or protect outdoor faucets as appropriate for your home and seal obvious cold-air gaps near plumbing. Insulate accessible vulnerable lines using materials intended for that purpose. Know where the main water shutoff is and make sure it can be reached quickly.
Keep garage doors closed when water lines pass through the garage. Open sink-cabinet doors when doing so safely allows warm room air to reach vulnerable plumbing. For lines known to freeze, a small, continuous flow may help during the coldest period. Never use an open flame to thaw plumbing.
A faucet that suddenly produces little or no water during freezing weather can be a warning. Turn off the supply if a leak is visible, avoid unsafe heating methods and call a plumber. Even after flow returns, inspect the area because a split may begin leaking during thawing.
Common questions
Risk depends on exposure, insulation, wind and how long temperatures remain low. Plumbing in unheated or exterior areas can be vulnerable during sustained freezing weather.
Avoid flames and high-heat devices. If the location is inaccessible, damaged or near electrical equipment—or if you are uncertain—call a professional.