Frozen Pipe Guide: How to Prevent & Deal with Frozen Pipes

As winter’s icy grip tightens, the threat of frozen pipes in Denver becomes a concern for homeowners. It’s a problem that can lead to costly repairs and disruptions.

To help you safeguard your plumbing system, our expert Centennial and Denver plumbers have compiled a comprehensive guide based on years of experience.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about frozen pipes, including what causes them, how to prevent them and how to deal with them. If you have any questions or need help prepping your plumbing for winter, be sure to reach out to our plumbers in Centennial or Denver right away!

What Causes Frozen Pipes in Denver

Denver’s cold winters make frozen pipes a common issue for homeowners. Several factors contribute to freezing pipes in our area, including:

1. Extreme Cold Temperatures: Denver experiences sub-zero temperatures during the winter months. When the mercury drops significantly, water inside pipes can freeze.
2. Insufficient Insulation: Homes without adequate insulation, especially in areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics, are at greater risk. Proper insulation helps maintain a stable temperature around the pipes.
3. Exposed Pipes: Pipes located in unheated or uninsulated areas, close to exterior walls, or near openings like windows and doors are more vulnerable to freezing. Cold air infiltration can impact these pipes.
4. Sudden Temperature Drops: Rapid temperature fluctuations, which are not uncommon in Denver, can cause pipes to freeze. Warm daytime temperatures followed by freezing nights can put stress on plumbing.
5. Lack of Heating: Homes with inadequate heating systems or those that lower the thermostat significantly at night are more prone to frozen pipes. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes is important not just for your comfort but to protect your home from costly damage. In this section, we’ll look at easy ways to keep your Denver home safe from frozen pipes. By following these steps, you can enjoy a cozy winter without worrying about plumbing issues.

1) Insulation Is Key

Proper insulation is the foundation of frozen pipe prevention. Insulate all exposed pipes using pipe insulation or foam sleeves. This added layer of protection helps to keep the cold at bay.

Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. These areas are particularly vulnerable to freezing.

2) Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial during the winter months. Avoid dramatic temperature fluctuations, even when you’re away from home. Sudden drops in temperature can trigger frozen pipes.

An old but effective trick is to open cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air from your home to circulate around pipes located against exterior walls, reducing the risk of freezing.

3) Drip Your Faucets

On extremely cold nights, consider letting your faucets drip slowly. This continuous flow of water can prevent pipes from freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze compared to stagnant water.

4) Seal Cracks and Gaps

Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s walls, foundation, and around pipes. Cold air infiltration can put your pipes at risk.

Inspect your home for potential entry points for cold air and seal them promptly. This not only protects your pipes but also helps improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.

5) Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter sets in. Store them indoors to prevent outdoor faucets from freezing.

Consider installing frost-proof faucets for your outdoor water supply. These faucets are less prone to freezing and can save you from potential headaches.

6) Use Heating Tape

Heating tape or cable is a reliable solution for preventing frozen pipes. Wrap it around pipes vulnerable to freezing, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Heating tape provides a consistent source of low-level heat to keep the pipes above freezing temperatures.

7) Keep Your Garage Warm

If your garage has water supply lines, it’s important to keep it above freezing. Insulate the garage doors and walls as needed, or consider adding a heater to maintain a safe temperature.

8) Professional Inspection

Regular professional inspections of your plumbing system are highly recommended. A plumbing expert (like the ones here at Bell!) can identify vulnerable areas and address potential issues before they become emergencies. Schedule an annual inspection to ensure your plumbing is prepared for the winter season!

How to Tell If Your Pipes Have Frozen

Recognizing the signs of frozen pipes in Denver and beyond is essential for early intervention. Here’s how to tell if your pipes have frozen:

1) No Water Flow

When you turn on a faucet, and no water or only a trickle comes out, it’s a clear sign of a potential frozen pipe. Check multiple faucets to confirm the issue.

2) Decreased Water Pressure

Reduced water pressure can occur as a result of frozen pipes. If your faucets have weaker water flow, it may be due to freezing.

3) Visible Frost or Ice

Inspect exposed pipes for visible frost or ice buildup. If you notice frost on the exterior of the pipe, it’s a strong indicator of freezing.

4) Unusual Sounds

Frozen pipes can sometimes make strange noises. Listen for cracking or popping sounds when you run water, which may indicate ice blockage.

5) Bulging or Distorted Pipes

In severe cases, frozen pipes can cause them to bulge or become distorted. If you notice any abnormalities in your pipes’ appearance, it’s a sign of freezing.

6) Strange Odors

In some cases, frozen pipes can lead to strange odors in your water supply. If the water smells unusual, it could be due to frozen pipes affecting the plumbing.

What to Do If Yours Pipes Have Frozen

Discovering frozen pipes in your home can be a stressful situation, but it’s crucial to thaw them safely to prevent further damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely thaw frozen pipes!

Of course if you’re uncomfortable with doing it yourself, or you’ve tried, unsuccessfully to thaw your frozen pipes, contact the experts at Bell immediately. Our plumbers have the expertise and equipment to address the issue safely and effectively, minimizing potential damage to your plumbing system.

Step 1: Identify the Frozen Section

Before starting the thawing process, locate the frozen section of the pipe. Typically, this area will feel extremely cold to the touch, and you may even see frost or ice on the exterior.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

It’s essential to turn off the water supply to the affected pipe or the entire house if necessary. This prevents additional water from entering the frozen pipe and potentially bursting it.

Step 3: Open Faucets

Open the affected faucet and any other faucets connected to the same water line. This allows water to flow once the pipe thaws and relieves pressure within the system.

Step 4: Apply Gentle Heat

Use a safe and gentle heat source to thaw the frozen pipe. Some effective methods include:

• Hair Dryer: Point the hair dryer at the frozen section of the pipe, moving it back and forth to evenly distribute heat. Just be sure to keep it away from any water!
• Heating Pad or Towels: Wrap the frozen pipe with a heating pad or towels soaked in hot water. Replace the towels as they cool.
• Space Heater: Use a space heater in the room to raise the temperature gradually. Ensure it’s placed away from flammable materials and follows safety guidelines.

Step 5: Thaw from Faucet End

Start thawing the pipe from the faucet end and work your way toward the frozen area. This allows water to flow out as it thaws.

Never use an open flame or high-temperature source, as this can damage the pipe or even start a fire!

Step 6: Continue Until Water Flows

Continue applying heat and monitoring the process. It can take many hours for a thoroughly frozen pipe to thaw out, depending on the extent of freezing. Avoid the temptation to turn the water main back on and test the pipe. Wait for it to thaw completely before proceeding.

Step 7: Turn the Water Back On

If possible, use two people to turn the water back on after the frozen pipe has been thawed. Turn the water on slowly while your helper goes around the house and makes sure there are no water leaks.

Step 8: Inspect for Damage

After successfully thawing the pipe and restoring water flow, inspect it for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. In fact, contact a certified plumber at Bell soon as possible to have the pipes thoroughly inspected. The pipe that froze may have experienced damage as a result of the freezing, and it could burst the next time the weather turns cold.

Our Centennial & Denver Plumbers are Here to Help!

By doing these things to prevent frozen pipes in Denver and learning how to fix them if they happen, you can make it much less likely that your pipes will freeze and cause problems.

If you ever need help with your plumbing in Centennial, Denver, or the surrounding area, remember that Bell is here for you all year long. If you’re worried or need expert assistance, reach out to us without hesitation. Keep warm and worry less this winter!