November in Colorado is when the seasons officially turn. The air gets crisp, the first flakes start to fall, and homeowners across the state begin thinking about their heating systems. Yet one of the most overlooked areas of the home during this time is the plumbing. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand, putting tremendous pressure on your plumbing system. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in just a few hours. Thankfully, winterizing your plumbing before the first hard freeze can prevent nearly all of these problems.
Outdoor faucets and garden hoses are the most common sources of freeze damage. When hoses stay connected, water can back up into the faucet line and freeze overnight. This pressure can crack the faucet housing or even rupture pipes inside your wall. To prevent this, disconnect every garden hose, drain out any remaining water, and store them in your garage or shed for the winter. It only takes a few minutes but can save you from a costly plumbing repair later.
Many Colorado homes have a dedicated shut-off valve inside the house for outdoor faucets. Locate that valve, turn it off, and then open the outdoor spigot to let any trapped water drain out. Once it is empty, install an insulated faucet cover. These inexpensive covers help keep freezing air from reaching your pipes and are one of the best winter investments you can make.
Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are especially vulnerable. These areas often lack proper insulation, which leaves your plumbing exposed to extreme cold. Wrap these pipes with foam insulation sleeves or use electric heat tape for added protection. It is a small job that can make a big difference during the coldest nights of winter.
Even if you plan to travel for the holidays, resist the urge to turn your thermostat too low. Keep your home at least 55°F to ensure pipes inside walls or near windows stay warm enough to prevent freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes, especially on exterior walls.
When a deep freeze hits, let a small trickle of water run from faucets connected to exterior walls. The constant movement of water keeps it from freezing inside the pipes. While this uses a small amount of water, it is far cheaper than repairing a burst pipe.
Your water heater works harder in winter. Flush it to remove sediment buildup, check the temperature setting, and inspect the pressure relief valve. Routine maintenance ensures it runs efficiently and delivers hot water when you need it most.
Winterizing your plumbing system now can prevent stressful emergencies later. If you need help locating shut-off valves, insulating hard-to-reach pipes, or inspecting your water heater, the team at Plumbing Solutions & Drains is here to help. Our licensed Colorado plumbers specialize in preparing homes for winter and responding quickly when emergencies happen. Schedule your winter plumbing inspection today and stay ahead of the freeze.
Plumbing Solutions & Drains — Colorado’s trusted choice for reliable winter plumbing service.