Denver winters can be misleading even with the “300 days of Sunshine.” They’re mild compared to other snowy regions, but the tail end of the season can be unpredictable. Underestimating the Mile High City’s weather this time of the year can create a false sense of security and lead you to believe that your winter plumbing will be a non-issue.
Use these five tips as your guide to prepare your home’s pipework for the cold season to avoid serious plumbing issues when temperatures drop.
1. Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection
Proactive maintenance enables you to discover red flags in your plumbing’s supply and drain-waste-vent systems early. This way, you can address them while they’re easier and more affordable to fix.
Plumbers use modern sewer scopes that are flexible enough to explore the entire line and can capture high-resolution footage, clearly documenting structural issues with pipes, signs of root encroachment and blockages in a noninvasive manner.
Although Denver’s snowiest month is March, booking a credentialed professional as early as possible is prudent. It gives your plumber enough time to fix anything wrong with your system before the snow falls in the city.
2. Insulate Exposed Indoor Pipes
Winter plumbing involves draining your indoor pipes only when you’re away during the frostier months. If you’re staying in your Denver home, you should leave your shut-off valve alone. Instead, you should protect the pipes in unheated areas from freezing temperatures.
Insulate exposed pipes in the crawl space, basement or garage with foam tubing from a local hardware store. It should easily slip over the pipes when you cut it lengthwise.
3. Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Indoor pipes housed in kitchen and bathroom cabinets are vulnerable to cold snaps. Open the cabinet doors periodically to allow the heated air to circulate around the pipes and prevent the water inside them from freezing.
This tip only works when your house is airtight. Seal all the gaps around your space to prevent air leakage.
4. Winterize Outdoor Hoses
Draining and insulating your spigots before winter rolls around is necessary to prevent your pipes from bursting and your property from water damage. Water intrusion can compromise the foundation and may result in thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
Outdoor spigots have dedicated shut-off valves, which are typically on the other side of the wall inside the house. Locate them, and turn them clockwise to turn them off. Then, open the hose bibs to drain all the water left inside the pipes. Insulate them with faucet covers to keep them warmer in colder temperatures.
A permanent exterior sprinkler system features a separate shut-off valve, so switch it off to maintain its good condition and ensure it works properly when needed.
5. Seal Drafts Around Vulnerable Plumbing
Cold air infiltration is one of the most overlooked causes of frozen pipes in Denver homes. Even a small draft can dramatically lower temperatures around your plumbing, especially near exterior walls. Inspect areas where pipes run through foundations, crawl spaces, and wall penetrations, and seal any gaps with caulk or expanding foam.
Pay special attention to older homes where settling or past renovations may have left openings that allow frigid air inside. By eliminating these drafts, you create a more stable environment around your water lines and significantly reduce the risk of freezing when temperatures swing unexpectedly late in the season.
What You Need to Know About Winter Plumbing in Denver
By staying proactive and understanding how Denver’s climate really behaves, you can avoid the expensive headaches that come with neglected winter plumbing. The season’s late cold snaps and surprise freezes can strain even a well-maintained home, but a little preparation goes a long way. Keep these tips handy, address small issues before they escalate, and you’ll give your plumbing system the best chance to power through the cold months without disruption.
