As winter’s chill settles in, Longmont homeowners face the reality of sub-zero temperatures and the possibility of freezing pipes. Although beautiful, Colorado’s winter weather can wreak havoc on plumbing if precautions aren’t taken. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to water damage, costly repairs, and inconvenient outages in your home’s water system. But with a little planning and a few simple steps, you can protect your plumbing system and ensure your home stays comfortable and safe through the harshest winter months.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about winterizing your plumbing in Longmont, CO. From preventative maintenance to emergency preparation, we’ll cover the essential tips and steps you can take to avoid common plumbing problems this season.
Why Winterizing Your Plumbing is So Important
In Longmont, CO, the winters can be brutally cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. This presents a unique set of challenges for homeowners when it comes to plumbing. When temperatures fall, water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to crack or burst. Once a pipe bursts, it can release a significant amount of water, flooding the area and causing major water damage to your home.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, frozen pipes account for nearly 25% of all property damage claims related to plumbing, with the average cost of a claim being around $5,000. While these statistics might seem alarming, the good news is that by winterizing your plumbing, you can dramatically reduce the risk of frozen pipes and the associated costs and inconveniences.
Understanding the Risks: Frozen Pipes and Their Impact
Frozen pipes are the most common winter plumbing issue in areas with cold climates. Here’s how it happens:
- Water Expands When Frozen: Water expands as it freezes, putting pressure on the walls of the pipe. If the pressure exceeds the pipe’s ability to withstand it, the pipe will crack or burst.
- Pipes Can Freeze Anywhere: While exterior pipes are at the greatest risk, any pipes located in uninsulated areas, such as basements, attics, crawlspaces, or even interior walls, can freeze.
- Slow Leaks or Sudden Flooding: Sometimes, a frozen pipe will crack and cause a slow leak, which can go unnoticed for days or even weeks, leading to mold growth or structural damage. Other times, the pipe may burst suddenly, creating immediate flooding.
Understanding these risks highlights why it’s essential to take preventative measures to protect your plumbing system.
Winterizing Your Plumbing: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your pipes from freezing is by insulating them. Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics are particularly vulnerable. Adding insulation to these pipes helps maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing.
How to Insulate Pipes:
- Pipe Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape specifically designed for plumbing. These materials help maintain the temperature of your pipes even in freezing temperatures.
- Cover Gaps and Cracks: Check around windows, doors, and vents for any cracks that may allow cold air to reach your pipes. Use caulk or foam sealant to close these gaps and keep your plumbing warm.
2. Shut Off Exterior Water Supply
For most homeowners, outdoor plumbing, like hose bibs, sprinklers, and irrigation systems, is rarely used during winter. Before temperatures drop, make sure to turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses.
Steps to Shut Off Your Exterior Water Supply:
- Locate the Shutoff Valve: Find the valve that controls the water supply to your exterior faucets. This is typically located inside your home near the area where the pipe exits the building.
- Drain the System: After turning off the shutoff valve, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water. This ensures that there’s no water left inside the pipes, which could freeze and cause damage.
3. Seal Off Drafts and Insulate Windows
While you’re protecting the pipes themselves, don’t forget to keep the rest of your home warm and insulated. Cold drafts can exacerbate freezing issues, especially in areas near plumbing systems. If you have pipes running through exterior walls, make sure to seal any drafts around windows and doors. Consider installing window insulator kits or using heavy curtains to minimize heat loss.
4. Keep the Thermostat Consistent
During the winter, it’s tempting to turn the thermostat down at night or when you’re away, but fluctuating temperatures can cause pipes to freeze more easily. To prevent this, keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature — ideally no lower than 55°F. This will help keep the air inside your home warm enough to prevent freezing pipes.
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, consider leaving the heat on and ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home occasionally to ensure the temperature is maintained.
5. Let Faucets Drip
If temperatures are expected to drop significantly, letting your faucets drip slightly can help prevent freezing. The moving water inside the pipes is less likely to freeze than still water. It may not seem like much, but even a small drip can be enough to keep the water flowing.
This is especially important for faucets located on exterior walls or in unheated areas. Running water, even in small amounts, can help maintain a steady flow, preventing pressure from building up inside the pipes.
6. Install Pipe Heating Cables
If you live in a particularly cold area or have pipes in an especially vulnerable spot, you might want to consider using heating cables. These cables are designed to wrap around your pipes and provide heat to prevent freezing. They are especially useful for pipes located in attics, basements, or crawlspaces.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with a professional if you’re not sure how to install them correctly.
7. Check Your Water Heater
Don’t forget to winterize your water heater. Even though it’s inside your home, it still needs to be in good working order to keep up with the demands of winter.
- Inspect the Tank: Make sure the tank is in good condition, without signs of rust or corrosion. If it’s older than 10 years, it may be worth considering a replacement.
- Flush the Tank: Flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup, which can improve its efficiency and lifespan.
What to Do If You Have Frozen Pipes
Even with the best preventive measures, you might still encounter a frozen pipe. If you suspect a pipe is frozen, it’s important to act quickly to prevent it from bursting.
- Locate the Frozen Pipe: Identify the frozen section by looking for areas where the pipe is in an unheated space or where frost has formed around the pipe.
- Thaw the Pipe: Use a hairdryer, space heater, or a warm towel to thaw the frozen area. Never use an open flame, such as a blowtorch, as this can cause the pipe to crack.
- Turn On Faucets: As the pipe thaws, open the faucet connected to it. Running water can help relieve pressure and move thawed water through the pipe.
- Call a Professional: If you are unable to thaw the pipe or notice any cracks, immediately call a plumbing professional. Do not attempt to fix a burst pipe on your own, as it could cause significant damage to your home.
For Plumbing Services in Longmont, CO, Contact Homerun Heating & Air Today
Taking the right steps to winterize your plumbing is essential to keeping your home safe and comfortable during Colorado’s cold winter months. By following these tips, you can protect your home from costly water damage and ensure your plumbing system continues to function properly.
However, if you’re unsure about any of the steps or need help with installation or inspection, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Homerun Heating & Air. Our experienced team is ready to assist with everything from pipe insulation to water heater maintenance and emergency plumbing repairs. Trust us to provide the expertise and quality service you need to keep your plumbing system in top shape this winter.
For professional plumbing services in Longmont, CO, call Homerun Heating & Air today and schedule an appointment. Stay warm, stay safe, and protect your home’s plumbing system with our expert help!
