When temperatures dip below freezing in Highlands Ranch, your plumbing system faces one of its biggest threats: frozen pipes. A frozen pipe can burst and release gallons of water into your home, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs.
By taking preventive steps in the fall, you can dramatically reduce your risk and protect your home before winter arrives.
❄️ Why Pipes Freeze in Colorado
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Extreme Temperature Swings – Day-to-night drops below 32°F stress pipes.
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Uninsulated Spaces – Basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are most vulnerable.
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Standing Water in Outdoor Fixtures – Leftover water in hoses, hose bibs, or irrigation lines expands when frozen.
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Poor Indoor Heating – Closed-off or unheated rooms can allow pipes to freeze quickly.
✅ Frozen Pipe Prevention Checklist
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Disconnect & Drain Outdoor Hoses
Even a small amount of trapped water can expand and split a faucet or connecting pipe. -
Shut Down & Blow Out Sprinkler Systems
Professional blowouts remove water from underground lines, preventing costly spring repairs. -
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe sleeves or heat tape in unheated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, and basements. -
Seal Drafts & Gaps
Caulk or insulate cracks around windows, doors, and foundations to keep cold air away from pipes. -
Keep Heat On (Even When Away)
Never turn your thermostat below 55°F—even if you’re leaving for a holiday trip. -
Open Cabinet Doors
On frigid nights, leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. -
Let Faucets Drip
A slow trickle on the coldest nights relieves pressure and helps prevent freezing. -
Schedule Plumbing Maintenance
A licensed plumber can spot vulnerable pipes and recommend upgrades before temperatures plummet.
🚨 What to Do If Pipes Freeze
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Shut Off the Main Water Supply – Prevent flooding if a pipe bursts.
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Open Faucets – This relieves pressure inside the pipe.
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Gently Warm the Pipe – Use a space heater, heating pad, or hair dryer (never an open flame).
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Call a Plumber Immediately – If you can’t locate the frozen section or suspect a burst, professional help is essential.
Protect Your Home With The Plumbing Source
Don’t let a frozen pipe ruin your winter. At The Plumbing Source, we provide expert prevention, insulation, and emergency repair services for Highlands Ranch homeowners.
📞 303-694-4306 | 📧 Service@tpscolorado.com | 🌐 TPSColorado.com